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/2020/04/09/nyregion/coronavirus-new-york-update.html

The article has changed 41 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 6 Version 7
Hospitalizations for Virus Are Nearly Flat in N.Y., But 799 More Die: Live Updates Hospitalizations for Virus Are Nearly Flat in N.Y., but 799 More Die: Live Updates
(32 minutes later)
The story of the coronavirus in New York continues to be one of encouraging progress and devastating loss of life, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Thursday.The story of the coronavirus in New York continues to be one of encouraging progress and devastating loss of life, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Thursday.
Over the last two weeks, the number of virus patients hospitalized has grown more and more slowly, from over 20 percent per day to single-digit percent increases this week.Over the last two weeks, the number of virus patients hospitalized has grown more and more slowly, from over 20 percent per day to single-digit percent increases this week.
From Wednesday to Thursday, the number increased by 200 people, to 18,279, an increase of just 1 percent. If the trend continues, the number of people in hospitals will soon start to decline, a sign that the virus has passed its apex.From Wednesday to Thursday, the number increased by 200 people, to 18,279, an increase of just 1 percent. If the trend continues, the number of people in hospitals will soon start to decline, a sign that the virus has passed its apex.
But the number of people dying of complications from the virus is continuing to grow: 799 people died from Wednesday to Thursday, another one-day high.But the number of people dying of complications from the virus is continuing to grow: 799 people died from Wednesday to Thursday, another one-day high.
For the second consecutive day, the governor compared the toll of the virus to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 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 consecutive day, the governor compared the toll of the virus to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 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 repeatedly in recent days, Mr. Cuomo stressed that social distancing and other restrictions continued to be enforced, and were necessary to continue the progress the state had made.As he has repeatedly in recent days, Mr. Cuomo stressed that social distancing and other restrictions continued to be enforced, and were necessary to continue the progress the state had made.
He cautioned that while New York would likely have enough hospital beds and ventilators to treat patients if current trends held, the state still did not have the resources it needed if the most drastic projections of the virus’s spread held.He cautioned that while New York would likely have enough hospital beds and ventilators to treat patients if current trends held, the state still did not have the resources it needed if the most drastic projections of the virus’s spread held.
“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.”
Mr. Cuomo also continued to emphasize that black and Hispanic communities had been hardest hit by the virus in New York, and said that additional testing sites would be opened in predominantly black and Latin neighborhoods.Mr. Cuomo also continued to emphasize that black and Hispanic communities had been hardest hit by the virus in New York, and said that additional testing sites would be opened in predominantly black and Latin 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.
People now hospitalized: 18,279 statewide, up by 200 from 18,079 Wednesday, an increase of 1 percent.People now hospitalized: 18,279 statewide, up by 200 from 18,079 Wednesday, an increase of 1 percent.
In intensive care: 4,925, up by 84 from 4,841 Wednesday, an increase of 2 percent.In intensive care: 4,925, up by 84 from 4,841 Wednesday, an increase of 2 percent.
In a city ravaged by the coronavirus, few places have suffered as much as central Queens, where a seven-square-mile patch of densely packed immigrant enclaves recorded more than 7,000 cases of the virus in the first weeks of the outbreak.In a city ravaged by the coronavirus, few places have suffered as much as central Queens, where a seven-square-mile patch of densely packed immigrant enclaves recorded more than 7,000 cases of the virus in the first weeks of the outbreak.
A group of adjoining neighborhoods — Corona, Elmhurst, East Elmhurst and Jackson Heights — has emerged as the epicenter of New York’s raging outbreak.A group of adjoining neighborhoods — Corona, Elmhurst, East Elmhurst and Jackson Heights — has emerged as the epicenter of New York’s raging outbreak.
As of Wednesday, those communities, with a combined population of about 600,000, had recorded more than 7,260 coronavirus cases, according to data collected by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Manhattan, with nearly three times more people, had about 10,860 cases.As of Wednesday, those communities, with a combined population of about 600,000, had recorded more than 7,260 coronavirus cases, according to data collected by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Manhattan, with nearly three times more people, had about 10,860 cases.
The crisis has transformed the area. Roosevelt Avenue, the vital commercial artery that normally bustles with taquerias, arepa stands, threading salons and shops selling newspapers in dozens of languages, has all but shut down. The eerie silence is intermittently broken by sirens and the clattering of trains on elevated tracks.The crisis has transformed the area. Roosevelt Avenue, the vital commercial artery that normally bustles with taquerias, arepa stands, threading salons and shops selling newspapers in dozens of languages, has all but shut down. The eerie silence is intermittently broken by sirens and the clattering of trains on elevated tracks.
“We’re the epicenter of the epicenter,” said Councilman Daniel Dromm, who represents Elmhurst and Jackson Heights. He became emotional as he took stock of losses that included five friends and more than two dozen constituents. “This has shaken the whole neighborhood,” he said.“We’re the epicenter of the epicenter,” said Councilman Daniel Dromm, who represents Elmhurst and Jackson Heights. He became emotional as he took stock of losses that included five friends and more than two dozen constituents. “This has shaken the whole neighborhood,” he said.
Mayor Bill de Blasio on Thursday said that even as New Yorkers would likely remain under heavy restrictions through May, he and city officials have started to envision a return to normalcy.Mayor Bill de Blasio on Thursday said that even as New Yorkers would likely remain under heavy restrictions through May, he and city officials have started to envision a return to normalcy.
His remarks stood in sharp contrast to those of the governor, who questioned whether officials could accurately predict the spread of a virus experts did not fully understand.His remarks stood in sharp contrast to those of the governor, who questioned whether officials could accurately predict the spread of a virus 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.
“How can you say that?” He asked. “Who can look forward and say ‘This is where we’re going to be in three or four or five weeks.’”“How can you say that?” He asked. “Who can look forward and say ‘This is where we’re going to be in three or four or five weeks.’”
With transmission still widespread, the mayor said he thought the city could as early as mid-May move to the next stage in the epidemic: one with low-level spread of the virus, in which cases could be more easily traced.With transmission still widespread, the mayor said he thought the city could as early as mid-May move to the next stage in the epidemic: one with low-level spread of the virus, in which cases could be more easily traced.
“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 transition would necessitate the availability of widespread testing for the virus, testing which was not yet available.He emphasized, though, that any such transition would necessitate the availability of widespread testing for the virus, testing which 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 have seemed to slow.Still, Mr. de Blasio’s remarks reflected the cautious optimism that other officials have expressed in recent days as hospitalizations have seemed to slow.
The mayor, echoing Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York, said that any path toward looser social distancing guidelines would require New Yorkers to continue adhering to current rules.The mayor, echoing Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York, said that any path toward looser social distancing guidelines would require New Yorkers to continue adhering to current rules.
Mr. de Blasio 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.Mr. de Blasio 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.
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 to have the virus.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 to have the virus.
All three numbers would need to trend downward for 10 days to two weeks before restrictions would be eased, Mr. de Blasio said.All three numbers would need to trend downward for 10 days to two weeks before restrictions would be eased, Mr. de Blasio said.
The mayor also said that officials were two or three days away from deciding whether public schools would reopen before the end of the school year in June.The mayor also said that officials were two or three days away from deciding whether public schools would reopen before the end of the school year in June.
At a group home on Long Island for severely developmentally disabled people, 80 percent of residents have tested positive for the coronavirus. At a similar facility in Queens, three residents have died. At another in Manhattan, ambulances have become frequent visitors.At a group home on Long Island for severely developmentally disabled people, 80 percent of residents have tested positive for the coronavirus. At a similar facility in Queens, three residents have died. At another in Manhattan, ambulances have become frequent visitors.
As devastating as the virus has been in the general population, it is preying with particular ruthlessness on New York’s sprawling network of group homes for people with special needs.As devastating as the virus has been in the general population, it is preying with particular ruthlessness on New York’s sprawling network of group homes for people with special needs.
As of Monday, 105 of the 140,000 developmentally disabled people monitored by the state had died — double the state’s overall death rate. More than 1,100 had tested positive for the virus.As of Monday, 105 of the 140,000 developmentally disabled people monitored by the state had died — double the state’s overall death rate. More than 1,100 had tested positive for the virus.
A recent study by a consortium of private service providers found that residents of group homes and similar facilities in the New York City area were over five times more likely than the general population to develop Covid-19 and nearly five times more likely to die from it.A recent study by a consortium of private service providers found that residents of group homes and similar facilities in the New York City area were over five times more likely than the general population to develop Covid-19 and nearly five times more likely to die from it.
People who work with the disabled described the challenges of enforcing social distancing among them.People who work with the disabled described the challenges of enforcing social distancing among them.
“One of the individuals here is positive, and his behavior is to get up, to pace, and he wants to give me a hug, shake my hand,” said one caregiver on Staten Island. “They have a hard time realizing that they need to be isolated.”“One of the individuals here is positive, and his behavior is to get up, to pace, and he wants to give me a hug, shake my hand,” said one caregiver on Staten Island. “They have a hard time realizing that they need to be isolated.”
At the facility on Long Island, 37 of the 46 residents have tested positive, two have died and nine are hospitalized.At the facility on Long Island, 37 of the 46 residents have tested positive, two have died and nine are hospitalized.
“Forgive me if I get emotional,” said the home’s director, Bob McGuire. “People discount people with disabilities and presume they understand them when they don’t know them. They think their lives are not worth the same as yours or mine, and that’s just not true.”“Forgive me if I get emotional,” said the home’s director, Bob McGuire. “People discount people with disabilities and presume they understand them when they don’t know them. They think their lives are not worth the same as yours or mine, and that’s just not true.”
New research indicates that the coronavirus was in the New York area by mid-February, weeks before the first confirmed case, and that travelers brought it mainly from Europe, not Asia.New research indicates that the coronavirus was in the New York area by mid-February, weeks before the first confirmed case, and that travelers brought it mainly from Europe, not Asia.
While the federal government began to restrict travel between China and the U.S. in January, travelers could still move freely between Europe and America for another five weeks. It was those travelers, researchers found, who helped spread the coronavirus around New York.While the federal government began to restrict travel between China and the U.S. in January, travelers could still move freely between Europe and America for another five weeks. It was those travelers, researchers found, who helped spread the coronavirus around New York.
“The majority is clearly European,” said Harm van Bakel, a geneticist at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai who co-wrote a study on the virus.“The majority is clearly European,” said Harm van Bakel, a geneticist at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai who co-wrote a study on the virus.
Two separate studies reached the same conclusion based on analyzing the genome of the virus, which carries distinctive mutations that allow scientists to track its movement and spread. The research revealed a previously hidden spread of the virus that might have been detected if aggressive testing had taken place.Two separate studies reached the same conclusion based on analyzing the genome of the virus, which carries distinctive mutations that allow scientists to track its movement and spread. The research revealed a previously hidden spread of the virus that might have been detected if aggressive testing had taken place.
The same sequencing method has been used to confirm that the coronavirus arose in bats.The same sequencing method has been used to confirm that the coronavirus arose in bats.
So far, the Mount Sinai researchers have identified seven separate lineages of viruses that entered New York and began circulating.So far, the Mount Sinai researchers have identified seven separate lineages of viruses that entered New York and began circulating.
Bodegas, the trusted neighborhood gems in New York City, have become a vital lifeline during the pandemic.Bodegas, the trusted neighborhood gems in New York City, have become a vital lifeline during the pandemic.
While many grocery store shelves have been stripped bare of essentials like toilet paper and hand sanitizer, New Yorkers are turning to their corner stores for those high-demand supplies and finding them fully stocked.While many grocery store shelves have been stripped bare of essentials like toilet paper and hand sanitizer, New Yorkers are turning to their corner stores for those high-demand supplies and finding them fully stocked.
“Those essentials I couldn’t find in the grocery store, they were right there at my bodega,” said Rabyaah Althaibani, who lives in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.“Those essentials I couldn’t find in the grocery store, they were right there at my bodega,” said Rabyaah Althaibani, who lives in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.
In Harlem, hand sanitizer was nowhere to be found at the CVS Pharmacy on 125th Street and Lenox Boulevard. A shopper in the Rite Aid on Frederick Douglas Boulevard couldn’t find any there, either.In Harlem, hand sanitizer was nowhere to be found at the CVS Pharmacy on 125th Street and Lenox Boulevard. A shopper in the Rite Aid on Frederick Douglas Boulevard couldn’t find any there, either.
But it was in stock a few blocks away at Green Garden Deli. “But if you don’t shop here,” said Wadie Obeid, the owner of the bodega, “how would you know?”But it was in stock a few blocks away at Green Garden Deli. “But if you don’t shop here,” said Wadie Obeid, the owner of the bodega, “how would you know?”
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.
As The New York Times follows the spread of the coronavirus across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, we need your help. We want to talk to doctors, nurses, lab technicians, respiratory therapists, emergency services workers, nursing home managers — anyone who can share what they are seeing in the region’s hospitals and other health care centers. Even if you haven’t seen anything yet, we want to connect now so we can stay in touch in the future.As The New York Times follows the spread of the coronavirus across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, we need your help. We want to talk to doctors, nurses, lab technicians, respiratory therapists, emergency services workers, nursing home managers — anyone who can share what they are seeing in the region’s hospitals and other health care centers. Even if you haven’t seen anything yet, we want to connect now so we can stay in touch in the future.
A reporter or editor may contact you. Your information will not be published without your consent.A reporter or editor may contact you. Your information will not be published without your consent.
Reporting was contributed by Jonah Engel Bromwich, Annie Correal, Michael Gold, Andrew Jacobs, Matthew Haag, Danny Hakim, Jeffery C. Mays, Andy Newman, Aaron Randle and Carl Zimmer.Reporting was contributed by Jonah Engel Bromwich, Annie Correal, Michael Gold, Andrew Jacobs, Matthew Haag, Danny Hakim, Jeffery C. Mays, Andy Newman, Aaron Randle and Carl Zimmer.