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Number of Virus Patients in I.C.U.s Starts to Fall in N.Y.: Live Updates Number of Virus Patients in I.C.U.s Starts to Fall in N.Y.: Live Updates
(about 1 hour later)
All week, officials in New York State have pointed to signs that the coronavirus outbreak is starting to come under control. Still, the number of sick people in hospitals and on ventilators kept growing, and the death toll mounted.All week, officials in New York State have pointed to signs that the coronavirus outbreak is starting to come under control. Still, the number of sick people in hospitals and on ventilators kept growing, and the death toll mounted.
On Friday, for the first time since the outbreak began, one of the main measures used to track the progress of sick patients in New York actually showed improvement.On Friday, for the first time since the outbreak began, one of the main measures used to track the progress of sick patients in New York actually showed improvement.
The number of virus patients being treated in intensive care units across the state fell by 17 people from the day before, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said.The number of virus patients being treated in intensive care units across the state fell by 17 people from the day before, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said.
Seventeen may be a very small number, but its significance is great. Just a week ago, the number of intensive-care patients — the vast majority of whom are on ventilators — was growing by more than 300 a day.Seventeen may be a very small number, but its significance is great. Just a week ago, the number of intensive-care patients — the vast majority of whom are on ventilators — was growing by more than 300 a day.
The promising news was tempered by the chilling fact that another 777 people had died of the virus on Thursday. But another important indicator, the growth of the number of virus patients in hospitals, has slowed so sharply that it has taken the health authorities by surprise.The promising news was tempered by the chilling fact that another 777 people had died of the virus on Thursday. But another important indicator, the growth of the number of virus patients in hospitals, has slowed so sharply that it has taken the health authorities by surprise.
In March, three public-health groups issued projections for the state’s need for hospital beds for virus patients. They showed a range of 55,000 to 136,000 beds.In March, three public-health groups issued projections for the state’s need for hospital beds for virus patients. They showed a range of 55,000 to 136,000 beds.
As of Friday, Mr. Cuomo said, there were 18,569 virus patients in hospitals, a number that has increased less than 3 percent over the past two days.As of Friday, Mr. Cuomo said, there were 18,569 virus patients in hospitals, a number that has increased less than 3 percent over the past two days.
“The actual curve is much, much lower than any of them projected,” Mr. Cuomo said.“The actual curve is much, much lower than any of them projected,” Mr. Cuomo said.
The anticipated need for hospital space drove the state’s frantic effort to expand hospital capacity, which included turning the Javits Convention Center in Manhattan into a giant makeshift hospital ward, with the military’s help, and erecting a field hospital in Central Park.The anticipated need for hospital space drove the state’s frantic effort to expand hospital capacity, which included turning the Javits Convention Center in Manhattan into a giant makeshift hospital ward, with the military’s help, and erecting a field hospital in Central Park.
The state had also projected a need for 30,000 to 40,000 ventilators, a number that, if current trends continue, far exceeds what will be needed: Fewer than 5,000 people are currently in intensive care beds.The state had also projected a need for 30,000 to 40,000 ventilators, a number that, if current trends continue, far exceeds what will be needed: Fewer than 5,000 people are currently in intensive care beds.
Mr. Cuomo credited the state’s aggressive measures on social distancing — and New Yorkers’ compliance with them — for helping stem the spread of the disease.Mr. Cuomo credited the state’s aggressive measures on social distancing — and New Yorkers’ compliance with them — for helping stem the spread of the disease.
This is not to say that the virus is going away any time soon.This is not to say that the virus is going away any time soon.
The total number of confirmed cases in New York State rose by nearly 11,000 from Thursday to Friday, the largest single-day increase yet, and now stands at 170,812. The 777 deaths in New York pushed the state’s death toll to 7,844 and the total for the tristate region of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut over 10,000.The total number of confirmed cases in New York State rose by nearly 11,000 from Thursday to Friday, the largest single-day increase yet, and now stands at 170,812. The 777 deaths in New York pushed the state’s death toll to 7,844 and the total for the tristate region of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut over 10,000.
But even in that grim news, Mr. Cuomo caught a flicker of promise. He noted that the one-day death toll had been relatively steady the past three days, and that Friday’s figure was lower than Thursday’s.But even in that grim news, Mr. Cuomo caught a flicker of promise. He noted that the one-day death toll had been relatively steady the past three days, and that Friday’s figure was lower than Thursday’s.
“As someone who searches for solace in all this grief,” he said, “the leveling off in lives lost is a somewhat hopeful sign.”“As someone who searches for solace in all this grief,” he said, “the leveling off in lives lost is a somewhat hopeful sign.”
Someone held Stephen Solomon’s hand as he was dying. But it was not his daughter.Someone held Stephen Solomon’s hand as he was dying. But it was not his daughter.
His son hoisted the spadefuls of earth that are customary during a Jewish burial. But his wife, sick with the coronavirus and quarantined at home, was not there.His son hoisted the spadefuls of earth that are customary during a Jewish burial. But his wife, sick with the coronavirus and quarantined at home, was not there.
No one heard a military honor guard play taps for Mr. Solomon, a Coast Guard veteran who died at 72 in a New Jersey hospital. And no one accepted a crisply folded American flag, offered on behalf of a grateful nation.No one heard a military honor guard play taps for Mr. Solomon, a Coast Guard veteran who died at 72 in a New Jersey hospital. And no one accepted a crisply folded American flag, offered on behalf of a grateful nation.
In the United States, the coronavirus has stolen far more than 16,695 lives. It has robbed families of the rituals that follow death.In the United States, the coronavirus has stolen far more than 16,695 lives. It has robbed families of the rituals that follow death.
Funeral services at most churches, synagogues, temples and mosques have been suspended indefinitely by social-distancing orders meant to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Wakes, if they happen at all, are limited to immediate family members.Funeral services at most churches, synagogues, temples and mosques have been suspended indefinitely by social-distancing orders meant to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Wakes, if they happen at all, are limited to immediate family members.
Graveside military honors have been discontinued. Many cemeteries are permitting only one funeral home employee, one religious leader and one family representative at burials. In some Jewish families, shiva, a weeklong mourning period, is taking place on Zoom.Graveside military honors have been discontinued. Many cemeteries are permitting only one funeral home employee, one religious leader and one family representative at burials. In some Jewish families, shiva, a weeklong mourning period, is taking place on Zoom.
“It took my dad away,” Mr. Solomon’s son, Bernard, said of the virus. “But it also took away our ability to comfort each other, to be with each other.”“It took my dad away,” Mr. Solomon’s son, Bernard, said of the virus. “But it also took away our ability to comfort each other, to be with each other.”
Many funeral homes are turning to digital solutions — live streaming or taping services so that family members can participate remotely or watch later.Many funeral homes are turning to digital solutions — live streaming or taping services so that family members can participate remotely or watch later.
“In some ways, it’s like a doctor not being able to perform surgery on someone who needs it,” said Ellen McBrayer, the spokeswoman for the National Funeral Directors Association.“In some ways, it’s like a doctor not being able to perform surgery on someone who needs it,” said Ellen McBrayer, the spokeswoman for the National Funeral Directors Association.
“Funeral homes and the funeral home workers want to meet families where they are in their grief, and this has changed everything.”“Funeral homes and the funeral home workers want to meet families where they are in their grief, and this has changed everything.”
Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey reported Friday that 233 more people had died of the virus, bringing the state’s death toll to 1,932.Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey reported Friday that 233 more people had died of the virus, bringing the state’s death toll to 1,932.
The number of virus patients on ventilators, which according to state data had fallen from Wednesday to Thursday, increased 7 percent from Thursday to Friday.The number of virus patients on ventilators, which according to state data had fallen from Wednesday to Thursday, increased 7 percent from Thursday to Friday.
Mr. Murphy also said that he was signing an executive order authorizing home confinement for some prison inmates who were considered to be low risk to society.Mr. Murphy also said that he was signing an executive order authorizing home confinement for some prison inmates who were considered to be low risk to society.
“We are setting up a robust process through which each potential individual will be determined to be safe to place on home confinement,” he said. “No one who cannot meet these standards will be released.”“We are setting up a robust process through which each potential individual will be determined to be safe to place on home confinement,” he said. “No one who cannot meet these standards will be released.”
Two state-run veterans homes in New Jersey continue to battle severe outbreaks of the virus.Two state-run veterans homes in New Jersey continue to battle severe outbreaks of the virus.
At the New Jersey Veterans Home in Paramus, 29 residents and 17 staff members had tested positive for the virus, and 13 people had died of it, the state health commissioner, Judith M. Persichilli, said.At the New Jersey Veterans Home in Paramus, 29 residents and 17 staff members had tested positive for the virus, and 13 people had died of it, the state health commissioner, Judith M. Persichilli, said.
At a veterans home in Menlo Park, 16 residents and five staff members had tested positive for the virus, and 12 residents remained hospitalized with the virus. There have been four coronavirus-related deaths linked to the facility.At a veterans home in Menlo Park, 16 residents and five staff members had tested positive for the virus, and 12 residents remained hospitalized with the virus. There have been four coronavirus-related deaths linked to the facility.
Mayor Bill de Blasio on Friday called for a rent freeze for the more than 2 million New Yorkers living in rent-stabilized apartments who may be struggling to pay during the coronavirus pandemic.
At a news conference at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, where courts have been converted to a hospital facility, Mr. de Blasio urged the city’s Rent Guidelines Board to institute the freeze as the city continues to navigate bureaucratic red tape.
“Lord knows, people do not need another burden at this moment,” the mayor said. “We need that rent freeze, and we need it now.
Mr. de Blasio also called once again on the state to change a legal provision to allow New Yorkers who cannot afford their rent to draw on their security deposits to do so.
The mayor’s request comes three weeks after Mr. Cuomo implemented a 90-day moratorium on evictions for residential and commercial tenants and suspended mortgage payments for three months for homeowners in financial distress.
Asked why he would not again try closing city streets to allow people more space to roam outside, as the city did for several days at the end of March, Mr. de Blasio said he and his staff would “keep looking at” the possibility but said the city’s police department was understaffed and that top brass were concerned about whether they would be able to sufficiently patrol large open areas.
Gov. Ned Lamont of Connecticut announced Friday that he would sign an executive order extending closings and social distancing requirements in the state until May 20.Gov. Ned Lamont of Connecticut announced Friday that he would sign an executive order extending closings and social distancing requirements in the state until May 20.
The decision goes beyond the shutdown policies in New York and New Jersey. New York’s currently expires on April 29 and New Jersey’s on May 8.The decision goes beyond the shutdown policies in New York and New Jersey. New York’s currently expires on April 29 and New Jersey’s on May 8.
“While data is starting to show a flattening of the curve, we’re not out of the woods,” Governor Lamont wrote on Twitter. “Returning to normal too soon will have too many negative consequences.”“While data is starting to show a flattening of the curve, we’re not out of the woods,” Governor Lamont wrote on Twitter. “Returning to normal too soon will have too many negative consequences.”
The governor announced yesterday that public schools would not be reopened until May 20, as well.The governor announced yesterday that public schools would not be reopened until May 20, as well.
In Connecticut, 9,784 people have tested positive for the disease — with black people testing positive at twice the rate of whites — and 380 have died.In Connecticut, 9,784 people have tested positive for the disease — with black people testing positive at twice the rate of whites — and 380 have died.
Also on Friday, the governor signed an order to protect tenants that bars landlords from issuing eviction notices before July 1 and requires them to provide a 60-day, interest-free grace period for April and May rent.Also on Friday, the governor signed an order to protect tenants that bars landlords from issuing eviction notices before July 1 and requires them to provide a 60-day, interest-free grace period for April and May rent.
New York City hospitals have largely abandoned an experimental practice once seen as a solution to shortages of ventilators, the machines that help severe coronavirus patients to breathe.
The practice, called ventilator sharing, uses one machine to support multiple patients.
Several hospitals began trying it last month as patient numbers surged and projections predicted large ventilator shortfalls.
But doctors found that balancing the needs of multiple patients was too complicated, took too much staff time and ultimately may have been dangerous.
At the Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, doctors attempted the practice this week when they temporarily ran out of ventilators, but quickly stopped because the patients on the machine did not respond well, several hospital workers said.
“More hype than reality,” an emergency room doctor at another hospital said of ventilator sharing. “Both arduous and dangerous.”
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, a large health system that led the ventilator-sharing effort, acknowledged it had halted the practice but said it was because it did not end up being necessary.
“The protocol was developed to address emergency shortages of ventilators, and we have been fortunate to not have to utilize it, thus far,” a spokesperson said.
For years, every Thursday was burial day on Hart Island, the final resting place off the Bronx for New York City’s unclaimed dead.For years, every Thursday was burial day on Hart Island, the final resting place off the Bronx for New York City’s unclaimed dead.
But as with many things, the coronavirus has changed all that.But as with many things, the coronavirus has changed all that.
Burials are now being done five days a week at Hart Island, with roughly 25 bodies lowered into trenches each day, according to a city official. That is as many burials as would typically be done in a week before the virus hit.Burials are now being done five days a week at Hart Island, with roughly 25 bodies lowered into trenches each day, according to a city official. That is as many burials as would typically be done in a week before the virus hit.
Drone footage and images have circulated of burial crews in freshly dug muddy trenches burying body after body in bare wooden boxes.Drone footage and images have circulated of burial crews in freshly dug muddy trenches burying body after body in bare wooden boxes.
In the past, the city’s morgues had adequate space to hold the unclaimed dead for 30 to 60 days before they were buried on the island. But with the pace of the Covid-19 death toll increasing, the city is moving to bury more of those people to clear space in the morgues.In the past, the city’s morgues had adequate space to hold the unclaimed dead for 30 to 60 days before they were buried on the island. But with the pace of the Covid-19 death toll increasing, the city is moving to bury more of those people to clear space in the morgues.
“We are now burying people who have been sitting with us for quite some time,” the official said.“We are now burying people who have been sitting with us for quite some time,” the official said.
An analysis by The New York Times found that during the 31 days ending April 4, deaths in New York City were more than double the normal total.An analysis by The New York Times found that during the 31 days ending April 4, deaths in New York City were more than double the normal total.
The official said it was possible that Covid-19 victims had already begun being buried, because people have been dying of the virus for weeks.The official said it was possible that Covid-19 victims had already begun being buried, because people have been dying of the virus for weeks.
Contract workers are now doing the burials, rather than the Rikers Island inmates who normally do them, the official said.Contract workers are now doing the burials, rather than the Rikers Island inmates who normally do them, the official said.
The official stressed that the only people being buried are those for whom the city has been unable to contact next of kin for some time.The official stressed that the only people being buried are those for whom the city has been unable to contact next of kin for some time.
“We understand extenuating circumstances,” the official said, noting that bodies that have not been claimed because their families are under quarantine or on lockdown or for some other reason would not be buried on Hart Island.“We understand extenuating circumstances,” the official said, noting that bodies that have not been claimed because their families are under quarantine or on lockdown or for some other reason would not be buried on Hart Island.
At a news conference Friday afternoon, Mayor de Blasio repeatedly emphasized that bodies can always be returned to family members who come to claim them at a future time.
Mr. Cuomo on Friday asked Congress to support the creation of a federal fund to compensate health care workers and other emergency responders for their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.Mr. Cuomo on Friday asked Congress to support the creation of a federal fund to compensate health care workers and other emergency responders for their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.
The governor threw his support behind Democratic legislation in the United States Senate to create a so-called Covid-19 Heroes Fund, which would provide a $25,000 pay increase for every front-line worker. The fund would also provide $15,000 bonuses to new hires in hospital and home health care positions.The governor threw his support behind Democratic legislation in the United States Senate to create a so-called Covid-19 Heroes Fund, which would provide a $25,000 pay increase for every front-line worker. The fund would also provide $15,000 bonuses to new hires in hospital and home health care positions.
Mr. Cuomo likened the proposal to the Sept. 11 Victim Compensation Fund that was started for victims of the terror attacks and their families.Mr. Cuomo likened the proposal to the Sept. 11 Victim Compensation Fund that was started for victims of the terror attacks and their families.
“What’s even better is to take action showing our gratitude,” he said. “Saying it is nice. Doing it is even better.”“What’s even better is to take action showing our gratitude,” he said. “Saying it is nice. Doing it is even better.”
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 Matthew Haag, Winnie Hu, Corey Kilgannon, Andy Newman, Sarah Maslin Nir, William K. Rashbaum, Brian M. Rosenthal, Andrea Salcedo, Tracey Tully and Ali Watkins.Reporting was contributed by Matthew Haag, Winnie Hu, Corey Kilgannon, Andy Newman, Sarah Maslin Nir, William K. Rashbaum, Brian M. Rosenthal, Andrea Salcedo, Tracey Tully and Ali Watkins.