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Hospitalizations for Coronavirus Are Nearly Flat in N.Y., but 799 More Die Hospitalizations for Coronavirus Are Nearly Flat in N.Y., but 799 More Die
(2 days later)
[This briefing has ended. For the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak in the New York area, read Friday’s live coverage.][This briefing has ended. For the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak in the New York area, read Friday’s live coverage.]
As it has for several days, the story of the coronavirus in New York had two strands on Thursday: encouraging progress and devastating loss of life, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said.As it has for several days, the story of the coronavirus in New York had two strands on Thursday: encouraging progress and devastating loss of life, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said.
In the past two weeks, the number of virus patients hospitalized has grown more and more slowly, from over 20 percent a day at one point to single-digit percent increases this week.In the past two weeks, the number of virus patients hospitalized has grown more and more slowly, from over 20 percent a day at one point to single-digit percent increases this week.
From Wednesday to Thursday, the number increased by 200, to 18,279, or just 1 percent.From Wednesday to Thursday, the number increased by 200, to 18,279, or just 1 percent.
If the trend were to continue, the number of people in hospitals would soon start to decline — a sign that the virus had passed its apex.If the trend were to continue, the number of people in hospitals would soon start to decline — a sign that the virus had passed its apex.
But the number of people dying of the virus continues to grow. The state recorded 799 deaths from Wednesday to Thursday, another one-day high.But the number of people dying of the virus continues to grow. The state recorded 799 deaths from Wednesday to Thursday, another one-day high.
For the second straight day, Mr. Cuomo compared the toll of the virus to the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, calling the virus a “silent explosion that ripples through society with the same randomness, the same evil that we saw on 9/11.”For the second straight day, Mr. Cuomo compared the toll of the virus to the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, calling the virus a “silent explosion that ripples through society with the same randomness, the same evil that we saw on 9/11.”
As he has done repeatedly in recent days, Mr. Cuomo stressed that social distancing and other restrictions would continue to be enforced, because they were necessary to maintain the progress the state has made.As he has done repeatedly in recent days, Mr. Cuomo stressed that social distancing and other restrictions would continue to be enforced, because they were necessary to maintain the progress the state has made.
He also cautioned that New York might only be in the first wave of the pandemic. The state would probably have enough hospital beds and ventilators to treat virus patients if current trends hold, he said, but its resources would be insufficient if the most drastic projections about the outbreak were realized.He also cautioned that New York might only be in the first wave of the pandemic. The state would probably have enough hospital beds and ventilators to treat virus patients if current trends hold, he said, but its resources would be insufficient if the most drastic projections about the outbreak were realized.
“Everybody is assuming, well, once we get through this, we’re done,” Mr. Cuomo said. “I wouldn’t be so quick to assume that. This virus has been ahead of us from day one.“Everybody is assuming, well, once we get through this, we’re done,” Mr. Cuomo said. “I wouldn’t be so quick to assume that. This virus has been ahead of us from day one.
The governor again emphasized that New York’s black and Hispanic communities were being hit the hardest by the virus, and he said that additional testing sites would be opened in predominantly black and Latino neighborhoods.The governor again emphasized that New York’s black and Hispanic communities were being hit the hardest by the virus, and he said that additional testing sites would be opened in predominantly black and Latino neighborhoods.
Here are the latest statistics from the governor’s morning briefing.Here are the latest statistics from the governor’s morning briefing.
Deaths in New York State: 799 since yesterday, for a new total of 7,067.Deaths in New York State: 799 since yesterday, for a new total of 7,067.
Confirmed cases: 159,937 statewide, up 10,621 from 149,316, a 7 percent increase. In New York City: 87,028, up from 81,803.Confirmed cases: 159,937 statewide, up 10,621 from 149,316, a 7 percent increase. In New York City: 87,028, up from 81,803.
People hospitalized: 18,279 statewide, up by 200 from 18,079 Wednesday, an increase of 1 percent.People hospitalized: 18,279 statewide, up by 200 from 18,079 Wednesday, an increase of 1 percent.
In intensive care: 4,925, up 84 from 4,841 on Wednesday, a 2 percent increase.In intensive care: 4,925, up 84 from 4,841 on Wednesday, a 2 percent increase.
Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey cited progress in the fight against the virus on Thursday even as he reported that another 198 people in the state had died.Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey cited progress in the fight against the virus on Thursday even as he reported that another 198 people in the state had died.
The number of virus patients on ventilators dropped almost 2 percent, to 1,551 from 1,576, from Wednesday to Thursday, an indicator that the curve of infection was flattening.The number of virus patients on ventilators dropped almost 2 percent, to 1,551 from 1,576, from Wednesday to Thursday, an indicator that the curve of infection was flattening.
The death toll was New Jersey’s smallest in three days, although it was still the fourth highest since the outbreak began. More people have died in New Jersey, 1,700, than in any other state besides New York.The death toll was New Jersey’s smallest in three days, although it was still the fourth highest since the outbreak began. More people have died in New Jersey, 1,700, than in any other state besides New York.
Mr. Murphy also said the rate at which the number of confirmed virus cases was doubling in each of the state’s counties was beginning to slow.Mr. Murphy also said the rate at which the number of confirmed virus cases was doubling in each of the state’s counties was beginning to slow.
“This is progress,” he said, showing a county-by-county map of new cases. “Our social distancing is in fact beginning to show effect here.”“This is progress,” he said, showing a county-by-county map of new cases. “Our social distancing is in fact beginning to show effect here.”
The governor announced 3,748 new cases, pushing the total number in the state to 51,027. He said that as the number of new cases continued to rise, people had to keep following the order to stay at home and to wear masks when going to the grocery store.The governor announced 3,748 new cases, pushing the total number in the state to 51,027. He said that as the number of new cases continued to rise, people had to keep following the order to stay at home and to wear masks when going to the grocery store.
“We have got to get to a plateau,” he said. “This is not a time for selfishness.”“We have got to get to a plateau,” he said. “This is not a time for selfishness.”
Nearly 480 people were discharged from hospitals from Wednesday to Thursday, he said, including James Pruden, an emergency room doctor who contracted the virus in late March.Nearly 480 people were discharged from hospitals from Wednesday to Thursday, he said, including James Pruden, an emergency room doctor who contracted the virus in late March.
Mr. Murphy also announced new grace periods for people who had lost their jobs and could not pay their insurance premiums: 60 days for people unable to pay health and dental premiums and 90 days for those unable to pay home, auto, renter’s and life insurance premiums.Mr. Murphy also announced new grace periods for people who had lost their jobs and could not pay their insurance premiums: 60 days for people unable to pay health and dental premiums and 90 days for those unable to pay home, auto, renter’s and life insurance premiums.
Gov. Ned Lamont of Connecticut, like his counterparts in New York and New Jersey, said there has been a relatively modest net gain in virus-related hospitalizations from Wednesday to Thursday. He called the data “good news” and a sign that “we may be reaching peak.”Gov. Ned Lamont of Connecticut, like his counterparts in New York and New Jersey, said there has been a relatively modest net gain in virus-related hospitalizations from Wednesday to Thursday. He called the data “good news” and a sign that “we may be reaching peak.”
Mr. Lamont reported that another 45 people had died of the virus — a one-day increase similar to those earlier in the week — but he spent more time focused on the increase of just 46 hospitalizations statewide since Wednesday.Mr. Lamont reported that another 45 people had died of the virus — a one-day increase similar to those earlier in the week — but he spent more time focused on the increase of just 46 hospitalizations statewide since Wednesday.
Fairfield County, the area of Connecticut to be hit hardest by the pandemic and where the virus was first detected in the state, had experienced a slight decrease in new hospitalizations from Wednesday to Thursday, he added.Fairfield County, the area of Connecticut to be hit hardest by the pandemic and where the virus was first detected in the state, had experienced a slight decrease in new hospitalizations from Wednesday to Thursday, he added.
Mr. Lamont nonetheless cautioned that “one day does not a trend make.” Still, he said he hoped that the figures on Thursday might portend positive developments in the future.Mr. Lamont nonetheless cautioned that “one day does not a trend make.” Still, he said he hoped that the figures on Thursday might portend positive developments in the future.
Last summer, Raymond Rivera was arrested on a minor parole violation and sent to Rikers Island, where he waited months for a final decision on his release. As his case dragged on, the coronavirus spread through the jail complex and he became sick.Last summer, Raymond Rivera was arrested on a minor parole violation and sent to Rikers Island, where he waited months for a final decision on his release. As his case dragged on, the coronavirus spread through the jail complex and he became sick.
On Friday, state parole officials finally lifted the warrant against Mr. Rivera as he lay in a bed at the Bellevue Hospital Center. He died the next day.On Friday, state parole officials finally lifted the warrant against Mr. Rivera as he lay in a bed at the Bellevue Hospital Center. He died the next day.
“It was a tragedy the way it happened,” said Mr. Rivera’s wife, who asked not to be named to protect her privacy. “Why did he have to wait so long?”“It was a tragedy the way it happened,” said Mr. Rivera’s wife, who asked not to be named to protect her privacy. “Why did he have to wait so long?”
Nearly two weeks ago, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo promised to release about 400 people who were on Rikers Island for minor parole violations as part of an effort to reduce the impact of the coronavirus in the city’s crowded jail complex.Nearly two weeks ago, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo promised to release about 400 people who were on Rikers Island for minor parole violations as part of an effort to reduce the impact of the coronavirus in the city’s crowded jail complex.
“We’re releasing people who are in jails because they violated parole for nonserious reasons,” Mr. Cuomo said in a television interview on March 27. “And wherever we can get people out of jails, out of prisons, now we are.”“We’re releasing people who are in jails because they violated parole for nonserious reasons,” Mr. Cuomo said in a television interview on March 27. “And wherever we can get people out of jails, out of prisons, now we are.”
But carrying out that order has proved difficult, defense lawyers say. The state parole system has largely ground to a halt because of the pandemic, leaving hundreds of people in limbo, including those like Mr. Rivera who were detained on technical violations. So far 195 parole violators have been released from New York City jails, city officials say.But carrying out that order has proved difficult, defense lawyers say. The state parole system has largely ground to a halt because of the pandemic, leaving hundreds of people in limbo, including those like Mr. Rivera who were detained on technical violations. So far 195 parole violators have been released from New York City jails, city officials say.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which oversees New York City’s subway and buses and two commuter railroads, said on Thursday that it had begun deploying medically trained teams to check transit workers’ temperatures when they arrive at work.The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which oversees New York City’s subway and buses and two commuter railroads, said on Thursday that it had begun deploying medically trained teams to check transit workers’ temperatures when they arrive at work.
The move is meant to help the authority prevent the coronavirus from spreading further among its 74,000-person work force and keep the mass transit system from plunging deeper into a pandemic-fueled crisis it will have to overcome for the city’s economy to rebound.The move is meant to help the authority prevent the coronavirus from spreading further among its 74,000-person work force and keep the mass transit system from plunging deeper into a pandemic-fueled crisis it will have to overcome for the city’s economy to rebound.
As of Wednesday, at least 41 transit workers had died of the virus, around 1,500 had tested positive and another 5,600 were self-quarantined after showing signs of being infected.As of Wednesday, at least 41 transit workers had died of the virus, around 1,500 had tested positive and another 5,600 were self-quarantined after showing signs of being infected.
The resulting crew shortages had caused over 800 subway delays on an already reduced schedule and had forced 40 percent of train trips to be canceled in a single day.The resulting crew shortages had caused over 800 subway delays on an already reduced schedule and had forced 40 percent of train trips to be canceled in a single day.
The temperature-taking teams have so far tested around 2,000 employees a day at 22 sites and had found that about one in every 1,000 had a fever, officials said.The temperature-taking teams have so far tested around 2,000 employees a day at 22 sites and had found that about one in every 1,000 had a fever, officials said.
“One of the best ways to reduce the spread of Covid-19 is to ensure that people who are sick are staying home, out of the transit system and away from work,” Patrick Warren, the authority’s chief safety officer, said in a statement. “Our ‘temperature brigade’ helps reduce risk for everyone.”“One of the best ways to reduce the spread of Covid-19 is to ensure that people who are sick are staying home, out of the transit system and away from work,” Patrick Warren, the authority’s chief safety officer, said in a statement. “Our ‘temperature brigade’ helps reduce risk for everyone.”
Tony Utano, the president of Transit Workers Union Local 100 said in statement that the move was “a step in the right direction to control this virus, and they should look to expand it.”Tony Utano, the president of Transit Workers Union Local 100 said in statement that the move was “a step in the right direction to control this virus, and they should look to expand it.”
Nearly 120 morgue workers and soldiers are working around the clock to retrieve the bodies of up to 280 people a day who are dying at home in New York City, many of them probably having succumbed to the coronavirus without being counted in the official death toll.Nearly 120 morgue workers and soldiers are working around the clock to retrieve the bodies of up to 280 people a day who are dying at home in New York City, many of them probably having succumbed to the coronavirus without being counted in the official death toll.
The chief medical examiner’s office is overseeing the grisly task, with the help of more than 100 soldiers from the U.S. Army, the National Guard and the Air National Guard, officials said. Many of those involved in the operation have special training in processing human remains.The chief medical examiner’s office is overseeing the grisly task, with the help of more than 100 soldiers from the U.S. Army, the National Guard and the Air National Guard, officials said. Many of those involved in the operation have special training in processing human remains.
Fifteen four-person teams are working during each 12-hour shift, driving mostly rented vans, said Aja Worthy-Davis, a spokeswoman for the medical examiner’s office.Fifteen four-person teams are working during each 12-hour shift, driving mostly rented vans, said Aja Worthy-Davis, a spokeswoman for the medical examiner’s office.
Fire Department data shows that 1,125 patients were pronounced dead in their homes or on the street in the first five days of April, more than eight times the 131 deaths recorded during the same period last year.Fire Department data shows that 1,125 patients were pronounced dead in their homes or on the street in the first five days of April, more than eight times the 131 deaths recorded during the same period last year.
Paramedics are not testing those they pronounce dead for the virus so it is almost impossible to say how many of the people were infected with it. Some may have been tested before they died and either were not admitted to hospitals or were sent home.Paramedics are not testing those they pronounce dead for the virus so it is almost impossible to say how many of the people were infected with it. Some may have been tested before they died and either were not admitted to hospitals or were sent home.
But the discrepancy between the number of people dying at home this year at the height of the epidemic compared with the number of those who died under such circumstances last year suggests the virus was involved in many of the recent deaths.But the discrepancy between the number of people dying at home this year at the height of the epidemic compared with the number of those who died under such circumstances last year suggests the virus was involved in many of the recent deaths.
“The driver of this huge uptick in deaths at home is Covid-19,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Thursday. “And some people are dying directly of it, and some people are dying indirectly of it, but it is the tragic ‘X’ factor here.”“The driver of this huge uptick in deaths at home is Covid-19,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Thursday. “And some people are dying directly of it, and some people are dying indirectly of it, but it is the tragic ‘X’ factor here.”
Traffic at New York City’s busiest bridges and tunnels has plunged nearly 60 percent.Traffic at New York City’s busiest bridges and tunnels has plunged nearly 60 percent.
Rush-hour speeds have soared 288 percent on one of the city’s most clogged arteries, the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, to 52 miles per hour from 13 m.p.h.Rush-hour speeds have soared 288 percent on one of the city’s most clogged arteries, the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, to 52 miles per hour from 13 m.p.h.
Even the air is cleaner, with levels of particulate matter, which contribute to health problems like lung cancer and heart attacks, plunging as much as 35 percent across the city.Even the air is cleaner, with levels of particulate matter, which contribute to health problems like lung cancer and heart attacks, plunging as much as 35 percent across the city.
Updated June 5, 2020 Updated June 12, 2020
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.
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.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
The coronavirus pandemic that has ravaged New York has essentially erased much of the traffic in the country’s largest city, easing the congestion that has strangled the streets and has made it more perilous for pedestrians and a growing army of bicycle commuters.The coronavirus pandemic that has ravaged New York has essentially erased much of the traffic in the country’s largest city, easing the congestion that has strangled the streets and has made it more perilous for pedestrians and a growing army of bicycle commuters.
And it has happened far more swiftly and drastically than any measure New York’s leaders have taken so far to push cars off the streets.And it has happened far more swiftly and drastically than any measure New York’s leaders have taken so far to push cars off the streets.
In one measure of declining road use, the average number of miles traveled in 24 hours by vehicles in the New York metro region, which includes parts of New Jersey and Connecticut, had plunged 64 percent by April 2, according to INRIX, a transportation analytics company.In one measure of declining road use, the average number of miles traveled in 24 hours by vehicles in the New York metro region, which includes parts of New Jersey and Connecticut, had plunged 64 percent by April 2, according to INRIX, a transportation analytics company.
Also, buses moved faster with fewer cars in the way. The average weekday bus speed rose 7 percent to 8.7 miles per hour from 8.1 miles per hour before the outbreak, according to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.Also, buses moved faster with fewer cars in the way. The average weekday bus speed rose 7 percent to 8.7 miles per hour from 8.1 miles per hour before the outbreak, according to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
There is at least one down side to clearer streets, however: speeding. Despite far fewer vehicles on the road, automated speed cameras issued 24,765 speeding tickets citywide on March 27, nearly double the 12,672 tickets issued daily a month earlier, according to city data.There is at least one down side to clearer streets, however: speeding. Despite far fewer vehicles on the road, automated speed cameras issued 24,765 speeding tickets citywide on March 27, nearly double the 12,672 tickets issued daily a month earlier, according to city data.
Black and Hispanic people in New York City are about twice as likely to die of the virus as white people are, according to preliminary data released on Wednesday by the city.Black and Hispanic people in New York City are about twice as likely to die of the virus as white people are, according to preliminary data released on Wednesday by the city.
Mayor Bill de Blasio said early Wednesday that the disparities reflected economic inequity and differences in access to health care.Mayor Bill de Blasio said early Wednesday that the disparities reflected economic inequity and differences in access to health care.
Mr. de Blasio and Dr. Oxiris Barbot, the city’s health commissioner, stressed that some of the city’s Hispanic residents might have been discouraged from seeking medical care by the anti-immigrant rhetoric that has dominated the national discourse in recent years.Mr. de Blasio and Dr. Oxiris Barbot, the city’s health commissioner, stressed that some of the city’s Hispanic residents might have been discouraged from seeking medical care by the anti-immigrant rhetoric that has dominated the national discourse in recent years.
“The overlay of the anti-immigrant rhetoric across this country, I think, has real implications in the health of our community,” she said.“The overlay of the anti-immigrant rhetoric across this country, I think, has real implications in the health of our community,” she said.
Mr. Cuomo said on Wednesday that the differences could be partly attributed to some groups having more untreated chronic health problems than others, making them more likely to die of the virus. But he also said that black and Hispanic people might also be disproportionately represented in the ranks of workers whose jobs on the front lines put them at risk.Mr. Cuomo said on Wednesday that the differences could be partly attributed to some groups having more untreated chronic health problems than others, making them more likely to die of the virus. But he also said that black and Hispanic people might also be disproportionately represented in the ranks of workers whose jobs on the front lines put them at risk.
Elizabeth, N.J., which had reported 1,688 coronavirus cases and 45 deaths as of Thursday, is now enforcing social-distancing rules from above.Elizabeth, N.J., which had reported 1,688 coronavirus cases and 45 deaths as of Thursday, is now enforcing social-distancing rules from above.
This week, the Elizabeth police deployed five drones equipped with audio capability. The devices hover over residents who are standing too close together while an automated message from Mayor Chris Bollwage admonishes them to “move away from each other” or face fines of up to $1,000 for failing to keep at least six feet apart from others.This week, the Elizabeth police deployed five drones equipped with audio capability. The devices hover over residents who are standing too close together while an automated message from Mayor Chris Bollwage admonishes them to “move away from each other” or face fines of up to $1,000 for failing to keep at least six feet apart from others.
The drones were donated to Elizabeth by D.J.I., a manufacturer in China that has provided a total of around 100 of the devices to 43 public safety agencies in the United States for what the company said was assistance in enforcing social-distancing efforts regulations.The drones were donated to Elizabeth by D.J.I., a manufacturer in China that has provided a total of around 100 of the devices to 43 public safety agencies in the United States for what the company said was assistance in enforcing social-distancing efforts regulations.
Mr. Bollwage said the drones, which operate during the daytime, were being used mostly in areas like courtyards and along river trails that police vehicles had trouble getting to.Mr. Bollwage said the drones, which operate during the daytime, were being used mostly in areas like courtyards and along river trails that police vehicles had trouble getting to.
He said he had received some complaints about the devices, including one resident who complained that the city was employing “communistic tactics.”He said he had received some complaints about the devices, including one resident who complained that the city was employing “communistic tactics.”
“I’m not swooping down with the drones and taking pictures, or hovering over windows, or leaving summonses by airmail,” Mr. Bollwage said. “I’m just warning people that congregating is extremely dangerous.”“I’m not swooping down with the drones and taking pictures, or hovering over windows, or leaving summonses by airmail,” Mr. Bollwage said. “I’m just warning people that congregating is extremely dangerous.”
Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Thursday that even as New Yorkers could probably expect to remain under heavy restrictions through May, he and other officials have started to envision a return to normalcy.Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Thursday that even as New Yorkers could probably expect to remain under heavy restrictions through May, he and other officials have started to envision a return to normalcy.
His remarks contrasted sharply with those of the governor, who questioned whether officials could accurately predict the spread of a virus that experts did not fully understand.His remarks contrasted sharply with those of the governor, who questioned whether officials could accurately predict the spread of a virus that experts did not fully understand.
“I’m not going to guess when the data will say we should change our practices,” Mr. Cuomo said.“I’m not going to guess when the data will say we should change our practices,” Mr. Cuomo said.
“Who can look forward and say ‘This is where we’re going to be in three or four or five weeks’,” he said.“Who can look forward and say ‘This is where we’re going to be in three or four or five weeks’,” he said.
The mayor said he thought that as soon as mid-May, the city could move to the next stage in the epidemic, where the virus was spreading at a low level that allowed cases to be traced more easily.The mayor said he thought that as soon as mid-May, the city could move to the next stage in the epidemic, where the virus was spreading at a low level that allowed cases to be traced more easily.
“We can say that it’s time to start planning for the next phase very overtly,” Mr. de Blasio said at a news conference.“We can say that it’s time to start planning for the next phase very overtly,” Mr. de Blasio said at a news conference.
He emphasized, though, that any such a transition would require the availability of widespread testing to a degree that was not yet available.He emphasized, though, that any such a transition would require the availability of widespread testing to a degree that was not yet available.
“We need a whole lot of testing,” Mr. de Blasio said. “We need the federal government to step up, we need them to do it quickly.”“We need a whole lot of testing,” Mr. de Blasio said. “We need the federal government to step up, we need them to do it quickly.”
Still, Mr. de Blasio’s remarks reflected the cautious optimism that other officials have expressed in recent days as hospitalizations seemed to slow.Still, Mr. de Blasio’s remarks reflected the cautious optimism that other officials have expressed in recent days as hospitalizations seemed to slow.
The mayor, echoing Mr. Cuomo, said that any move toward loosening social-distancing guidelines would require New Yorkers to continue adhering to the existing rules for now.The mayor, echoing Mr. Cuomo, said that any move toward loosening social-distancing guidelines would require New Yorkers to continue adhering to the existing rules for now.
The mayor was unwilling to discuss in detail what such a loosening might look like.The mayor was unwilling to discuss in detail what such a loosening might look like.
“In any scenario, we want to see the maximum number of people work at home for a long time,” he said.“In any scenario, we want to see the maximum number of people work at home for a long time,” he said.
The mayor also said the city would look for decreases in three key figures before relaxing social-distancing rules: the percentage of positive coronavirus tests, the numbers of people admitted to hospitals who were suspected to have the virus and the number admitted to intensive-care units who were suspected of being infected.The mayor also said the city would look for decreases in three key figures before relaxing social-distancing rules: the percentage of positive coronavirus tests, the numbers of people admitted to hospitals who were suspected to have the virus and the number admitted to intensive-care units who were suspected of being infected.
Reporting was contributed by Kevin Armstrong, Jonah Engel Bromwich, Annie Correal, Maria Cramer, Michael Gold, Christina Goldbaum, Matthew Haag, Winnie Hu, Jeffery C. Mays, Patrick McGeehan, Jesse McKinley, Andy Newman, Azi Paybarah, Jan Ransom, William K. Rashbaum, Matt Stevens and Michael Wilson.Reporting was contributed by Kevin Armstrong, Jonah Engel Bromwich, Annie Correal, Maria Cramer, Michael Gold, Christina Goldbaum, Matthew Haag, Winnie Hu, Jeffery C. Mays, Patrick McGeehan, Jesse McKinley, Andy Newman, Azi Paybarah, Jan Ransom, William K. Rashbaum, Matt Stevens and Michael Wilson.