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N.Y. Virus Deaths Double in Three Days to Almost 3,000 N.Y. Virus Deaths Double in Three Days to Almost 3,000
(32 minutes later)
The coronavirus was taking lives at a devastating pace in New York on Friday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said, with deaths nearly doubling in just three days, from 1,550 on Tuesday to 2,935 on Friday.The coronavirus was taking lives at a devastating pace in New York on Friday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said, with deaths nearly doubling in just three days, from 1,550 on Tuesday to 2,935 on Friday.
More people in New York were reported on Friday to have died of the virus in the previous 24 hours — 562 — than in the first 27 days of March.More people in New York were reported on Friday to have died of the virus in the previous 24 hours — 562 — than in the first 27 days of March.
Officials in New York City reported 305 new deaths due to the virus on Friday evening, bringing the city’s death toll to 1,867 in the biggest single-day jump so far.Officials in New York City reported 305 new deaths due to the virus on Friday evening, bringing the city’s death toll to 1,867 in the biggest single-day jump so far.
“It’s hard to go through this all day, and then it’s hard to stay up all night, watching those numbers come in and the number of deaths tick up,” the governor said at his daily briefing in Albany.“It’s hard to go through this all day, and then it’s hard to stay up all night, watching those numbers come in and the number of deaths tick up,” the governor said at his daily briefing in Albany.
On Friday, for the first time, the state reported more than 10,000 positive tests for the virus in one day: There were 102,863 confirmed cases in New York State, up from 92,381 on Thursday. New York City had 57,159 cases — nearly a quarter of the confirmed cases in the country.On Friday, for the first time, the state reported more than 10,000 positive tests for the virus in one day: There were 102,863 confirmed cases in New York State, up from 92,381 on Thursday. New York City had 57,159 cases — nearly a quarter of the confirmed cases in the country.
The number of cases in the state has almost doubled since last Friday. The number of people hospitalized and the number of patients on ventilators have both more than doubled since then.The number of cases in the state has almost doubled since last Friday. The number of people hospitalized and the number of patients on ventilators have both more than doubled since then.
With hospitals still in dire need of medical equipment, including ventilators, Mr. Cuomo said he was signing an executive order authorizing the state to seize and redistribute equipment from hospitals and private-sector companies that did not immediately need them.With hospitals still in dire need of medical equipment, including ventilators, Mr. Cuomo said he was signing an executive order authorizing the state to seize and redistribute equipment from hospitals and private-sector companies that did not immediately need them.
“I’m not going to let people die because we didn’t redistribute ventilators,” he said.“I’m not going to let people die because we didn’t redistribute ventilators,” he said.
He said that any equipment commandeered would be returned after the crisis. When a reporter asked whether private hospitals might raise legal objections, Mr. Cuomo answered, “If they want to sue me for borrowing their excess ventilators to save lives, let them sue me.”He said that any equipment commandeered would be returned after the crisis. When a reporter asked whether private hospitals might raise legal objections, Mr. Cuomo answered, “If they want to sue me for borrowing their excess ventilators to save lives, let them sue me.”
Mayor Bill de Blasio, who reiterated in the afternoon that New York City would need 15,000 more ventilators to manage the pandemic in April and May, expressed his support for the governor’s order.Mayor Bill de Blasio, who reiterated in the afternoon that New York City would need 15,000 more ventilators to manage the pandemic in April and May, expressed his support for the governor’s order.
“This is exactly the kind of thing we need,” Mr. de Blasio said. “In fact, I would urge every state in the union to exercise the same approach.” He added that he had approved the Police Department, Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office to help seize the devices.“This is exactly the kind of thing we need,” Mr. de Blasio said. “In fact, I would urge every state in the union to exercise the same approach.” He added that he had approved the Police Department, Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office to help seize the devices.
But Representative Elise Stefanik, a Republican congresswoman who represents a rural district that borders Vermont, said in a statement that she was “very concerned” about the order.But Representative Elise Stefanik, a Republican congresswoman who represents a rural district that borders Vermont, said in a statement that she was “very concerned” about the order.
“I represent demographically the largest number of seniors of any District in New York,” she wrote. “This is the most vulnerable age group facing Covid-19 and needs to be considered.”“I represent demographically the largest number of seniors of any District in New York,” she wrote. “This is the most vulnerable age group facing Covid-19 and needs to be considered.”
She and 11 other state and federal Republican officials later issued a joint statement opposing Mr. Cuomo’s action.She and 11 other state and federal Republican officials later issued a joint statement opposing Mr. Cuomo’s action.
Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey announced 4,372 new coronavirus cases on Friday, bringing the state’s total to 29,895. There were 113 new deaths reported, for a total of 646.Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey announced 4,372 new coronavirus cases on Friday, bringing the state’s total to 29,895. There were 113 new deaths reported, for a total of 646.
Mr. Murphy ordered flags lowered to half-staff across the state “effective immediately and indefinitely to honor those we have lost and those we will lose.”Mr. Murphy ordered flags lowered to half-staff across the state “effective immediately and indefinitely to honor those we have lost and those we will lose.”
At a time when people are unable to gather for funerals, Mr. Murphy said, he sought to “find some ways to acknowledge the totality of this loss.”At a time when people are unable to gather for funerals, Mr. Murphy said, he sought to “find some ways to acknowledge the totality of this loss.”
He cited the deaths of James Brown, the 48-year-old principal of the Grover Cleveland Middle School in Caldwell, and jazz guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, 94, who was born in Paterson, N.J., and died in Saddle River, N.J.He cited the deaths of James Brown, the 48-year-old principal of the Grover Cleveland Middle School in Caldwell, and jazz guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, 94, who was born in Paterson, N.J., and died in Saddle River, N.J.
There are 3,016 people hospitalized with the coronavirus in New Jersey, 1,227 of them on ventilators, officials said.There are 3,016 people hospitalized with the coronavirus in New Jersey, 1,227 of them on ventilators, officials said.
Mayor Bill de Blasio called again on Friday for doctors and other medical workers across the country to be drafted and sent to the places where coronavirus has hit hardest — starting in New York.Mayor Bill de Blasio called again on Friday for doctors and other medical workers across the country to be drafted and sent to the places where coronavirus has hit hardest — starting in New York.
“Unless there is a national effort to enlist doctors, nurses, hospital workers of all kinds and get them where they are needed most in the country in time,” Mr. de Blasio said on MSNBC Friday morning. “I don’t see, honestly, how we’re going to have the professionals we need to get through this crisis.”“Unless there is a national effort to enlist doctors, nurses, hospital workers of all kinds and get them where they are needed most in the country in time,” Mr. de Blasio said on MSNBC Friday morning. “I don’t see, honestly, how we’re going to have the professionals we need to get through this crisis.”
The mayor later said at a news conference that the city would need 45,000 more medical personnel to fight the pandemic through April and May.The mayor later said at a news conference that the city would need 45,000 more medical personnel to fight the pandemic through April and May.
On Friday evening, the city sent a wireless emergency alert — usually used for extreme weather or Amber Alerts — asking medical personnel to volunteer to fight the virus.On Friday evening, the city sent a wireless emergency alert — usually used for extreme weather or Amber Alerts — asking medical personnel to volunteer to fight the virus.
“Attention all healthcare workers: New York City is seeking licensed healthcare workers to support healthcare facilities in need,” the message said.“Attention all healthcare workers: New York City is seeking licensed healthcare workers to support healthcare facilities in need,” the message said.
Mr. de Blasio has been asking for days for military medical personnel to be sent to New York but first mentioned seeking a draft of civilian doctors on Thursday night.Mr. de Blasio has been asking for days for military medical personnel to be sent to New York but first mentioned seeking a draft of civilian doctors on Thursday night.
When Gallaghers Steakhouse closed indefinitely in mid-March, the restaurant donated most of its perishable food to New Yorkers in need. But dry-aged steaks in the 93-year-old establishment’s meat locker stayed put, day in and day out.When Gallaghers Steakhouse closed indefinitely in mid-March, the restaurant donated most of its perishable food to New Yorkers in need. But dry-aged steaks in the 93-year-old establishment’s meat locker stayed put, day in and day out.
“We had the meat, and we wanted to give it to somebody,” said Dean J. Poll, the restaurant’s owner. “We didn’t know what we were going to do.”“We had the meat, and we wanted to give it to somebody,” said Dean J. Poll, the restaurant’s owner. “We didn’t know what we were going to do.”
Those steaks could age, but they couldn’t age indefinitely. So Mr. Poll and his executive chef, Alan Ashkinaze, decided to give the meat to firefighters and police officers as a way to say thank you.Those steaks could age, but they couldn’t age indefinitely. So Mr. Poll and his executive chef, Alan Ashkinaze, decided to give the meat to firefighters and police officers as a way to say thank you.
On Friday morning, firefighters from around the city came to the restaurant, graciously accepting cuts of meat that Mr. Ashkinaze had prepared and wrapped himself. In the afternoon, members of the New York Police Department arrived to pick up their own order.On Friday morning, firefighters from around the city came to the restaurant, graciously accepting cuts of meat that Mr. Ashkinaze had prepared and wrapped himself. In the afternoon, members of the New York Police Department arrived to pick up their own order.
“What are we going to do? Just let it sit there?” Mr. Ashkinaze said. “Let’s take care of the people who are trying to take care of us.”“What are we going to do? Just let it sit there?” Mr. Ashkinaze said. “Let’s take care of the people who are trying to take care of us.”
All in all, Gallaghers planned to donate 4,000 to 5,000 pounds of meat by day’s end, Mr. Ashkinaze said. That’s about $50,000 worth of meat, Mr. Poll said, leaving about $300,000 worth in the locker.All in all, Gallaghers planned to donate 4,000 to 5,000 pounds of meat by day’s end, Mr. Ashkinaze said. That’s about $50,000 worth of meat, Mr. Poll said, leaving about $300,000 worth in the locker.
The two Navy hospital ships deployed to aid cities hit hard by the pandemic, the Comfort and the Mercy, could end up accepting patients who test positive for the coronavirus, Defense Department officials said Friday — a turnaround from the previous policy that sought to keep the ships virus-free.The two Navy hospital ships deployed to aid cities hit hard by the pandemic, the Comfort and the Mercy, could end up accepting patients who test positive for the coronavirus, Defense Department officials said Friday — a turnaround from the previous policy that sought to keep the ships virus-free.
General Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Friday that the Defense Department was reassessing whether to allow coronavirus patients aboard the ships. They had originally been intended to treat patients who did not have the virus in order to free up space in onshore hospitals.General Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Friday that the Defense Department was reassessing whether to allow coronavirus patients aboard the ships. They had originally been intended to treat patients who did not have the virus in order to free up space in onshore hospitals.
“The secretary of defense is making a risk assessment to determine whether or not we should take on” patients who have tested positive, General Milley told Fox News.“The secretary of defense is making a risk assessment to determine whether or not we should take on” patients who have tested positive, General Milley told Fox News.
His comments came after New York hospital executives complained Thursday that the Comfort was sitting in New York Harbor largely empty while hospitals in the city were overrun.His comments came after New York hospital executives complained Thursday that the Comfort was sitting in New York Harbor largely empty while hospitals in the city were overrun.
By late Thursday, only 20 patients had been transferred to the Comfort, even as New York hospitals struggled to find space for thousands infected with the coronavirus.By late Thursday, only 20 patients had been transferred to the Comfort, even as New York hospitals struggled to find space for thousands infected with the coronavirus.
Earlier Friday, the Navy announced it would streamline the admission process for patients at the Comfort. Going forward, patients will be evaluated at the Comfort’s dock rather than at city hospitals, and they will no longer have to test negative for the coronavirus before being admitted.Earlier Friday, the Navy announced it would streamline the admission process for patients at the Comfort. Going forward, patients will be evaluated at the Comfort’s dock rather than at city hospitals, and they will no longer have to test negative for the coronavirus before being admitted.
Defense Department officials say a decision on accepting patients who had tested positive for the coronavirus could come in the next few days.Defense Department officials say a decision on accepting patients who had tested positive for the coronavirus could come in the next few days.
The county executive of Rockland County, N.Y., called on Mr. Cuomo on Thursday to establish a containment zone around part of a town that has seen a rampant spread of the virus.The county executive of Rockland County, N.Y., called on Mr. Cuomo on Thursday to establish a containment zone around part of a town that has seen a rampant spread of the virus.
The executive, Ed Day, was seeking the designation for part of Ramapo, Mr. Day confirmed to The New York Times on Friday. The Journal News first reported Mr. Day’s request.The executive, Ed Day, was seeking the designation for part of Ramapo, Mr. Day confirmed to The New York Times on Friday. The Journal News first reported Mr. Day’s request.
Updated June 1, 2020 Updated June 2, 2020
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.)
More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.
Yes, but make sure you keep six feet of distance between you and people who don’t live in your home. Even if you just hang out in a park, rather than go for a jog or a walk, getting some fresh air, and hopefully sunshine, is a good idea.
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.
Charity Navigator, which evaluates charities using a numbers-based system, has a running list of nonprofits working in communities affected by the outbreak. You can give blood through the American Red Cross, and World Central Kitchen has stepped in to distribute meals in major cities.
Rockland County, northwest of New York City, has seen a higher concentration of virus cases than any place in the state besides neighboring Westchester County. It has reported more than 4,200 coronavirus cases, or about 1 per 75 residents — far higher than the rate in New York City. As of late Friday afternoon, 69 people there had died.Rockland County, northwest of New York City, has seen a higher concentration of virus cases than any place in the state besides neighboring Westchester County. It has reported more than 4,200 coronavirus cases, or about 1 per 75 residents — far higher than the rate in New York City. As of late Friday afternoon, 69 people there had died.
In an interview, Mr. Day said that he would defer to the state on what specific rules would be put in place in the “containment zone.” But he bemoaned the lack of social distancing he said he continued to see in the community and said he would like elected officials and community leaders to have the power to prevent large gatherings.In an interview, Mr. Day said that he would defer to the state on what specific rules would be put in place in the “containment zone.” But he bemoaned the lack of social distancing he said he continued to see in the community and said he would like elected officials and community leaders to have the power to prevent large gatherings.
“We need to do something to get people’s attention,” he said.“We need to do something to get people’s attention,” he said.
Mr. Cuomo had previously created a “containment area” in the small city of New Rochelle before statewide stay-home orders were put in place, which Mr. Day said had worked in stopping the spread of the virus.Mr. Cuomo had previously created a “containment area” in the small city of New Rochelle before statewide stay-home orders were put in place, which Mr. Day said had worked in stopping the spread of the virus.
Mr. Day said Mr. Cuomo had not yet responded to his request but that the governor’s staff members had rejected the idea “out of hand” when his team raised it a few days ago.Mr. Day said Mr. Cuomo had not yet responded to his request but that the governor’s staff members had rejected the idea “out of hand” when his team raised it a few days ago.
The area where Mr. Day seeks restrictions includes the ultra-Orthodox Jewish enclaves of Monsey, where a funeral this week drew a large crowd, and Kaser. One Jewish leader told The Journal News the proposed zone targeted the Jewish community.The area where Mr. Day seeks restrictions includes the ultra-Orthodox Jewish enclaves of Monsey, where a funeral this week drew a large crowd, and Kaser. One Jewish leader told The Journal News the proposed zone targeted the Jewish community.
Mr. Day rejected the criticism as “either ignorant or political,” and said his decision had been driven solely by data.Mr. Day rejected the criticism as “either ignorant or political,” and said his decision had been driven solely by data.
“The greatest act of anti-Semitism I could create right now,” he said, “would be to do nothing and let people die.”“The greatest act of anti-Semitism I could create right now,” he said, “would be to do nothing and let people die.”
As of Thursday, four more people living in city shelters and one man who lived on the street had died of the coronavirus, bringing the number of deaths of homeless people in the city to 10.As of Thursday, four more people living in city shelters and one man who lived on the street had died of the coronavirus, bringing the number of deaths of homeless people in the city to 10.
Until Thursday, the deaths had been concentrated among older men living in dormitory-style shelters for single adults. But two of the most recently reported deaths were people who had been living in shelters for families.Until Thursday, the deaths had been concentrated among older men living in dormitory-style shelters for single adults. But two of the most recently reported deaths were people who had been living in shelters for families.
The rate of deaths and infection among homeless people has been relatively low. But social distancing in group shelters has presented a challenge. The city is paying for about 500 private hotel rooms in an effort to isolate people who have symptoms of the virus, have been exposed to others who tested positive, or have tested positive themselves.The rate of deaths and infection among homeless people has been relatively low. But social distancing in group shelters has presented a challenge. The city is paying for about 500 private hotel rooms in an effort to isolate people who have symptoms of the virus, have been exposed to others who tested positive, or have tested positive themselves.
As of Thursday, 168 total people from shelters, from the street and from unstable housing situations had tested positive.As of Thursday, 168 total people from shelters, from the street and from unstable housing situations had tested positive.
Steven Banks, the city’s commissioner of social services, said on Friday that his agency would rent more hotel rooms as needed.Steven Banks, the city’s commissioner of social services, said on Friday that his agency would rent more hotel rooms as needed.
Advocates for homeless and low-income people are asking that the city open more hotel rooms so that people can better isolate. “Every homeless New Yorker in a congregate setting or those living on the street should be afforded the same opportunity to self-distance,” said Paulette Soltani, political director of VOCAL-NY, an advocacy organization, who called for 30,000 more hotel rooms to be made available.Advocates for homeless and low-income people are asking that the city open more hotel rooms so that people can better isolate. “Every homeless New Yorker in a congregate setting or those living on the street should be afforded the same opportunity to self-distance,” said Paulette Soltani, political director of VOCAL-NY, an advocacy organization, who called for 30,000 more hotel rooms to be made available.
New Jersey received 1,650 ventilators from the federal government, but some were not working, Gov. Phil Murphy said.New Jersey received 1,650 ventilators from the federal government, but some were not working, Gov. Phil Murphy said.
“Not all of them are in functioning condition,” Mr. Murphy said on NPR this morning. “At least 15 of them.” The governor did not provide elaborate on the how the machines — which can assist breathing in patients with compromised pulmonary functions — were inadequate.“Not all of them are in functioning condition,” Mr. Murphy said on NPR this morning. “At least 15 of them.” The governor did not provide elaborate on the how the machines — which can assist breathing in patients with compromised pulmonary functions — were inadequate.
Though 15 would represent only about one percent of the number the state received, each ventilator is expected to be necessary in the effort to save lives. And New Jersey is the second state to have trouble with ventilators it has received from the federal government.Though 15 would represent only about one percent of the number the state received, each ventilator is expected to be necessary in the effort to save lives. And New Jersey is the second state to have trouble with ventilators it has received from the federal government.
On Saturday, Gov. Gavin Newsom of California said that 170 ventilators that had been sent to his state by the federal government were not working, and had been rerouted to a Silicon Valley company to fix.On Saturday, Gov. Gavin Newsom of California said that 170 ventilators that had been sent to his state by the federal government were not working, and had been rerouted to a Silicon Valley company to fix.
New Jersey had reported 539 deaths from the virus as of Thursday evening, the second most in the nation after New York’s 2,653.New Jersey had reported 539 deaths from the virus as of Thursday evening, the second most in the nation after New York’s 2,653.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo was asked on Thursday if New York had seen similar problems and said he had not heard of any.Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo was asked on Thursday if New York had seen similar problems and said he had not heard of any.
Medical researchers are calling on New Yorkers to share information about their health in a new app aimed at track the spread of the coronavirus, identify clusters of cases and better allocate limited resources.Medical researchers are calling on New Yorkers to share information about their health in a new app aimed at track the spread of the coronavirus, identify clusters of cases and better allocate limited resources.
The web-based app, STOP COVID NYC, from Mount Sinai Health System, asks New York City residents to complete a survey about their risk factors and symptoms and then delivers daily texts asking for updates on their health with questions like: “Do you have a fever?”The web-based app, STOP COVID NYC, from Mount Sinai Health System, asks New York City residents to complete a survey about their risk factors and symptoms and then delivers daily texts asking for updates on their health with questions like: “Do you have a fever?”
Researchers said that in addition to helping track the virus in New York, the data collected by the app could help them understand how to assist the rest of the country as the virus spreads in coming months.Researchers said that in addition to helping track the virus in New York, the data collected by the app could help them understand how to assist the rest of the country as the virus spreads in coming months.
“We need our whole city to help, not just those in hospitals or with access to health care,” said Dr. Laura Huckins, a leader of the project. “Everyone is included.”“We need our whole city to help, not just those in hospitals or with access to health care,” said Dr. Laura Huckins, a leader of the project. “Everyone is included.”
Indeed, officials stressed that even healthy New Yorkers with no symptoms should procure the app by texting “COVID” to 64722.Indeed, officials stressed that even healthy New Yorkers with no symptoms should procure the app by texting “COVID” to 64722.
More than 800,000 residents the New York region, including New Jersey and Connecticut, have applied for unemployment benefits in the last two weeks as the coronavirus pandemic has brought the economy to a virtual standstill.More than 800,000 residents the New York region, including New Jersey and Connecticut, have applied for unemployment benefits in the last two weeks as the coronavirus pandemic has brought the economy to a virtual standstill.
If you are an employer or a worker who is unemployed, go here to share your story. A reporter or editor may contact you. Your information will not be published without your consent.If you are an employer or a worker who is unemployed, go here to share your story. A reporter or editor may contact you. Your information will not be published without your consent.
Reporting was contributed by Jonah Engel Bromwich, Helene Cooper, Maria Cramer, Michael Gold, Matthew Haag, Jesse McKinley, Andy Newman, Amelia Nierenberg, Azi Paybarah, Matt Stevens, and Nikita Stewart.Reporting was contributed by Jonah Engel Bromwich, Helene Cooper, Maria Cramer, Michael Gold, Matthew Haag, Jesse McKinley, Andy Newman, Amelia Nierenberg, Azi Paybarah, Matt Stevens, and Nikita Stewart.