This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/04/nyregion/coronavirus-new-york-update.html

The article has changed 42 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 16 Version 17
Coronavirus Hot Spots Emerging Near New York City Coronavirus Hot Spots Emerging Near New York City
(2 months later)
[This briefing has ended. For the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak in the New York area, read Sunday’s live coverage.][This briefing has ended. For the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak in the New York area, read Sunday’s live coverage.]
Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey started a news conference on Saturday with a moment of silence for the lives lost, more than 800 people, in the state’s coronavirus outbreak.Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey started a news conference on Saturday with a moment of silence for the lives lost, more than 800 people, in the state’s coronavirus outbreak.
Hours earlier, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York compared a jump in cases on Long Island to “a fire spreading,” and said that “New Jersey has a serious problem.”Hours earlier, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York compared a jump in cases on Long Island to “a fire spreading,” and said that “New Jersey has a serious problem.”
Though New York City remains the nation’s epicenter for the coronavirus outbreak with thousands of new cases every day, officials are increasingly concerned about emerging hot spots near the city.Though New York City remains the nation’s epicenter for the coronavirus outbreak with thousands of new cases every day, officials are increasingly concerned about emerging hot spots near the city.
Citing coastal communities increasingly crowded by those fleeing other hot spots, Mr. Murphy announced that New Jersey would move to make it easier for municipalities or counties to block “rentals to transient guests or seasonal tenants” for the duration of the crisis, including at hotels and motels.Citing coastal communities increasingly crowded by those fleeing other hot spots, Mr. Murphy announced that New Jersey would move to make it easier for municipalities or counties to block “rentals to transient guests or seasonal tenants” for the duration of the crisis, including at hotels and motels.
On Long Island, a rapid increase in cases brought New York City’s share of the statewide cases down to 65 percent, from 75 percent. It raised questions about the continuing migration of the city’s residents to second homes in beach communities or areas of the Hudson Valley — though Mr. Cuomo said he did not know if that kind of movement was contributing to the increase in cases on Long Island.On Long Island, a rapid increase in cases brought New York City’s share of the statewide cases down to 65 percent, from 75 percent. It raised questions about the continuing migration of the city’s residents to second homes in beach communities or areas of the Hudson Valley — though Mr. Cuomo said he did not know if that kind of movement was contributing to the increase in cases on Long Island.
The challenge of stopping transmission from hot spots is widespread: Rhode Island’s governor tried to enforce a 14-day quarantine for New Yorkers by having law enforcement officers go door to door searching for anyone from the state and pull over those with New York license plates. Florida’s governor mandated a similar quarantine for anyone flying in from New York.The challenge of stopping transmission from hot spots is widespread: Rhode Island’s governor tried to enforce a 14-day quarantine for New Yorkers by having law enforcement officers go door to door searching for anyone from the state and pull over those with New York license plates. Florida’s governor mandated a similar quarantine for anyone flying in from New York.
Mr. Murphy announced that there had been 200 more deaths in New Jersey since Friday, bringing that state’s total to 846 — which, he noted, was more than the number of New Jersey residents who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.Mr. Murphy announced that there had been 200 more deaths in New Jersey since Friday, bringing that state’s total to 846 — which, he noted, was more than the number of New Jersey residents who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Here are some other updates from Mr. Cuomo’s and Mr. Murphy’s briefings:Here are some other updates from Mr. Cuomo’s and Mr. Murphy’s briefings:
Deaths in New York State: 3,565, up from 2,935 on Friday morning.Deaths in New York State: 3,565, up from 2,935 on Friday morning.
Confirmed cases in New York State: 113,704, up from 102,863. In New York City, 63,306, up from 57,169.Confirmed cases in New York State: 113,704, up from 102,863. In New York City, 63,306, up from 57,169.
Hospitalized in New York State: 15,905, up from 14,810.Hospitalized in New York State: 15,905, up from 14,810.
Deaths in New Jersey: 846, up from 646 on Friday.Deaths in New Jersey: 846, up from 646 on Friday.
Confirmed cases in New Jersey: 34,125, up from 29,895.Confirmed cases in New Jersey: 34,125, up from 29,895.
Hospitalized in New Jersey: More than 4,000, up from just over 3,000.Hospitalized in New Jersey: More than 4,000, up from just over 3,000.
With the coronavirus having claimed more than 3,560 lives in New York, Mr. Cuomo warned on Saturday that the state was still days away from the peak of its outbreak.With the coronavirus having claimed more than 3,560 lives in New York, Mr. Cuomo warned on Saturday that the state was still days away from the peak of its outbreak.
“Nobody can tell you the number at the top of the mountain,” Mr. Cuomo said, but he estimated that it would be “in the seven-day range.” He said the state was not prepared for that point.“Nobody can tell you the number at the top of the mountain,” Mr. Cuomo said, but he estimated that it would be “in the seven-day range.” He said the state was not prepared for that point.
At his daily briefing in Albany, Mr. Cuomo also offered signs that many New Yorkers were overcoming the virus; for instance, he said, two-thirds of the people who had been hospitalized after reporting coronavirus-related symptoms have been discharged.At his daily briefing in Albany, Mr. Cuomo also offered signs that many New Yorkers were overcoming the virus; for instance, he said, two-thirds of the people who had been hospitalized after reporting coronavirus-related symptoms have been discharged.
“We are all in the battle here,” he added.“We are all in the battle here,” he added.
Mr. Cuomo said New York was counting on 85,000 health care volunteers — about 22,000 of them from out of state — to assist with the growing number of patients. He also signed an executive order on Saturday to allow medical students who have not yet graduated to practice medicine in an effort to provide reinforcements.Mr. Cuomo said New York was counting on 85,000 health care volunteers — about 22,000 of them from out of state — to assist with the growing number of patients. He also signed an executive order on Saturday to allow medical students who have not yet graduated to practice medicine in an effort to provide reinforcements.
Later Saturday, President Trump said he was sending 1,000 military medical personnel to New York City to help respond to the virus.Later Saturday, President Trump said he was sending 1,000 military medical personnel to New York City to help respond to the virus.
It was not exactly clear which troops Mr. Trump was referring to. There are already about 1,200 military medical personnel aboard the hospital ship Comfort that is now in New York.It was not exactly clear which troops Mr. Trump was referring to. There are already about 1,200 military medical personnel aboard the hospital ship Comfort that is now in New York.
In addition, nearly 2,700 New York State National Guard forces have been deployed to combat the virus, a figure that military officials said they expected to climb 4,000 in the coming days.In addition, nearly 2,700 New York State National Guard forces have been deployed to combat the virus, a figure that military officials said they expected to climb 4,000 in the coming days.
At a White House briefing, Mr. Trump asserted that the federal government had been generous to New York, and he said that Mr. Cuomo had not been “gracious” when the governor held his briefing earlier in the day.At a White House briefing, Mr. Trump asserted that the federal government had been generous to New York, and he said that Mr. Cuomo had not been “gracious” when the governor held his briefing earlier in the day.
“I watched what he said today, and it was fine,” Mr. Trump said. “I wouldn’t say gracious. It wasn’t gracious. It was OK.”“I watched what he said today, and it was fine,” Mr. Trump said. “I wouldn’t say gracious. It wasn’t gracious. It was OK.”
Mr. Trump singled out Gov. Gavin Newsom of California as someone who “has been gracious,” and he added that Mayor Bill de Blasio “has been very nice.”Mr. Trump singled out Gov. Gavin Newsom of California as someone who “has been gracious,” and he added that Mayor Bill de Blasio “has been very nice.”
When the Navy hospital ship U.S.N.S. Comfort arrived in New York this week, officials intended to use the huge white vessel to treat non-coronavirus patients in order to relieve crowded hospitals onshore.When the Navy hospital ship U.S.N.S. Comfort arrived in New York this week, officials intended to use the huge white vessel to treat non-coronavirus patients in order to relieve crowded hospitals onshore.
But on Saturday Defense Department officials made a startling admission: Several patients suspected of having the coronavirus had been mistakenly taken aboard the ship on Friday, a move that could have big ramifications for efforts to keep the ship free of infection.But on Saturday Defense Department officials made a startling admission: Several patients suspected of having the coronavirus had been mistakenly taken aboard the ship on Friday, a move that could have big ramifications for efforts to keep the ship free of infection.
The patients “were screened on the pier and then tested on board,” the Navy said in an email. “They were immediately isolated and then transferred” to the Javits Convention Center in Manhattan, which began accepting patients with Covid-19 symptoms.The patients “were screened on the pier and then tested on board,” the Navy said in an email. “They were immediately isolated and then transferred” to the Javits Convention Center in Manhattan, which began accepting patients with Covid-19 symptoms.
In an email, Defense Department officials stressed that the Comfort “continues to focus on treating non-Covid patients.” But officials indicated that the ship, having been exposed to the virus, could soon begin treated infected patients in an official capacity.In an email, Defense Department officials stressed that the Comfort “continues to focus on treating non-Covid patients.” But officials indicated that the ship, having been exposed to the virus, could soon begin treated infected patients in an official capacity.
Navy officials said that at least three patients believed to be infected with the coronavirus had been transported to the convention center Saturday morning after having spent the night at the ship.Navy officials said that at least three patients believed to be infected with the coronavirus had been transported to the convention center Saturday morning after having spent the night at the ship.
“The Comfort has infection control procedures that are followed just like hospitals ashore,” the Navy said in its statement. “Our medical experts on board are well prepared for cases like this, and have taken the appropriate precautionary measures.”“The Comfort has infection control procedures that are followed just like hospitals ashore,” the Navy said in its statement. “Our medical experts on board are well prepared for cases like this, and have taken the appropriate precautionary measures.”
The Chinese government is facilitating a donation of 1,000 ventilators to New York as the state rushes to increase its supply, Mr. Cuomo said on Saturday.The Chinese government is facilitating a donation of 1,000 ventilators to New York as the state rushes to increase its supply, Mr. Cuomo said on Saturday.
The governor called the donation “really good news,” and his office announced later on Saturday that the ventilators had arrived at Kennedy Airport.The governor called the donation “really good news,” and his office announced later on Saturday that the ventilators had arrived at Kennedy Airport.
“This is a big deal, and it’s going to make a significant difference for us,” the governor said.“This is a big deal, and it’s going to make a significant difference for us,” the governor said.
The donation came from the Joe and Clara Tsai Foundation, which along with the Jack Ma Foundation also gave an additional one million surgical masks and one million KN95 masks to the state. Mr. Tsai and Mr. Ma are founders of the Chinese internet giant Alibaba, and Mr. Tsai owns the Brooklyn Nets of the N.B.A.The donation came from the Joe and Clara Tsai Foundation, which along with the Jack Ma Foundation also gave an additional one million surgical masks and one million KN95 masks to the state. Mr. Tsai and Mr. Ma are founders of the Chinese internet giant Alibaba, and Mr. Tsai owns the Brooklyn Nets of the N.B.A.
Oregon also said that it would send 140 ventilators to New York State.Oregon also said that it would send 140 ventilators to New York State.
The ventilator shipments were the latest examples of the lengths that some governors were going to in an effort to acquire much-needed medical equipment and supplies. Noting that “we’re not really China experts here,” Mr. Cuomo said the state had reached out for help in navigating its dealings with the country.The ventilator shipments were the latest examples of the lengths that some governors were going to in an effort to acquire much-needed medical equipment and supplies. Noting that “we’re not really China experts here,” Mr. Cuomo said the state had reached out for help in navigating its dealings with the country.
“Long term, we have to figure out why we wound up in this situation where we don’t have the manufacturing capacity in this country,” the governor said.“Long term, we have to figure out why we wound up in this situation where we don’t have the manufacturing capacity in this country,” the governor said.
Mr. de Blasio repeated his calls on Saturday for a national enlistment system to help move doctors and health care workers across the country to areas with high need, saying New York City was heading into “the toughest time” in the weeks ahead.Mr. de Blasio repeated his calls on Saturday for a national enlistment system to help move doctors and health care workers across the country to areas with high need, saying New York City was heading into “the toughest time” in the weeks ahead.
“This is going to be like having many Katrinas,” Mr. de Blasio said on MSNBC’s “AM Joy.” “This is going to be a reality where you’re going to have many cities simultaneously, many states simultaneously in crisis needing health care professionals, needing ventilators.”“This is going to be like having many Katrinas,” Mr. de Blasio said on MSNBC’s “AM Joy.” “This is going to be a reality where you’re going to have many cities simultaneously, many states simultaneously in crisis needing health care professionals, needing ventilators.”
The mayor has said that the city would need 45,000 more medical personnel to fight the pandemic through May.The mayor has said that the city would need 45,000 more medical personnel to fight the pandemic through May.
Updated June 5, 2020
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.
City-run hospitals in New York desperately need specialized critical-care nurses, said Dr. Sheldon H. Teperman, the director of the trauma center at NYC Health and Hospitals/Jacobi in the Bronx.City-run hospitals in New York desperately need specialized critical-care nurses, said Dr. Sheldon H. Teperman, the director of the trauma center at NYC Health and Hospitals/Jacobi in the Bronx.
The epidemic has thinned their ranks, with nurses themselves falling ill or needed to care for sick family members. “If we could get critical care nurses, if volunteers would just come, we could save more lives,” Dr. Teperman said.The epidemic has thinned their ranks, with nurses themselves falling ill or needed to care for sick family members. “If we could get critical care nurses, if volunteers would just come, we could save more lives,” Dr. Teperman said.
New York City education administrators made official on Friday the news more than 75,000 of the city’s teachers were dreading amid the pandemic: Spring break is officially canceled.New York City education administrators made official on Friday the news more than 75,000 of the city’s teachers were dreading amid the pandemic: Spring break is officially canceled.
The news from Department of Education officials angered many teachers who were pleading for a short break during the Passover and Good Friday holidays.The news from Department of Education officials angered many teachers who were pleading for a short break during the Passover and Good Friday holidays.
“With this step, Mayor de Blasio shows that he does not recognize just how hard you have been working during these stressful and anxiety-filled times,” United Federation of Teachers president Michael Mulgrew wrote in a scathing email to his members after officials made the announcement.“With this step, Mayor de Blasio shows that he does not recognize just how hard you have been working during these stressful and anxiety-filled times,” United Federation of Teachers president Michael Mulgrew wrote in a scathing email to his members after officials made the announcement.
The schools chancellor, Richard A. Carranza, promised a reprieve of four leave days at an undetermined time in the future.The schools chancellor, Richard A. Carranza, promised a reprieve of four leave days at an undetermined time in the future.
“We recognize this may feel like a disappointment to many students and schools as we have all been working tirelessly in our transition to remote learning and very reasonably want a break,” Mr. Carranza wrote in an email to teachers.“We recognize this may feel like a disappointment to many students and schools as we have all been working tirelessly in our transition to remote learning and very reasonably want a break,” Mr. Carranza wrote in an email to teachers.
New York City’s vast system of 1,800 public schools that serves 1.1 million students continues to face its most serious challenge in decades with a remote learning operation that could potentially last through the end of the school year.New York City’s vast system of 1,800 public schools that serves 1.1 million students continues to face its most serious challenge in decades with a remote learning operation that could potentially last through the end of the school year.
The county executive of Rockland County, N.Y. said on Saturday he was “dumbfounded” after the governor and his staff members claimed to not be aware of a request he had made earlier this week to establish a containment zone around part of a town to stop the spread of the coronavirus.The county executive of Rockland County, N.Y. said on Saturday he was “dumbfounded” after the governor and his staff members claimed to not be aware of a request he had made earlier this week to establish a containment zone around part of a town to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
“Nobody’s asked me,” Mr. Cuomo said in response to a question about the request at his daily briefing on Saturday. His top aide, Melissa DeRosa, added that the governor’s office was “all ears” for such requests.“Nobody’s asked me,” Mr. Cuomo said in response to a question about the request at his daily briefing on Saturday. His top aide, Melissa DeRosa, added that the governor’s office was “all ears” for such requests.
Shortly after Mr. Cuomo’s briefing, the county executive, Ed Day, who had made the request for Ramapo, released a strongly worded statement.Shortly after Mr. Cuomo’s briefing, the county executive, Ed Day, who had made the request for Ramapo, released a strongly worded statement.
“To both the Governor and Secretary to the Governor, Melissa DeRosa, how in God’s name could you not know of this?” he wrote in the statement, to which he also attached a letter dated April 2 that he said he had sent to Mr. Cuomo.“To both the Governor and Secretary to the Governor, Melissa DeRosa, how in God’s name could you not know of this?” he wrote in the statement, to which he also attached a letter dated April 2 that he said he had sent to Mr. Cuomo.
Rockland County, northwest of New York City, has grappled with one of the highest concentrations of virus cases in the state, with about 1 in 75 residents having been reported as testing positive.Rockland County, northwest of New York City, has grappled with one of the highest concentrations of virus cases in the state, with about 1 in 75 residents having been reported as testing positive.
Mr. Cuomo previously created a “containment area” in the small city of New Rochelle. On Saturday, Ms. DeRosa noted that many of the measures that had been put in place there have now been instituted statewide and said the governor’s office would reach out to Rockland County.Mr. Cuomo previously created a “containment area” in the small city of New Rochelle. On Saturday, Ms. DeRosa noted that many of the measures that had been put in place there have now been instituted statewide and said the governor’s office would reach out to Rockland County.
In his statement, Mr. Day sounded eager for the response. “I await a call on my cell,” he said. “The people of Rockland are beyond fed up.”In his statement, Mr. Day sounded eager for the response. “I await a call on my cell,” he said. “The people of Rockland are beyond fed up.”
More than 800,000 residents of 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 of 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 Helene Cooper, Melina Delkic, Denise Grady, Thomas Kaplan, Andy Newman, Azi Paybarah, Edgar Sandoval, Eric Schmitt, Matt Stevens and Eliza Shapiro.Reporting was contributed by Helene Cooper, Melina Delkic, Denise Grady, Thomas Kaplan, Andy Newman, Azi Paybarah, Edgar Sandoval, Eric Schmitt, Matt Stevens and Eliza Shapiro.