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Number of Virus Patients in I.C.U.s Starts to Fall in New York Number of Virus Patients in I.C.U.s Starts to Fall in New York
(about 4 hours 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 — a 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 — a 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.
Models the state was using two weeks ago projected a need for 55,000 to 136,000 beds at the outbreak’s peak.Models the state was using two weeks ago projected a need for 55,000 to 136,000 beds at the outbreak’s peak.
This drove a frantic effort to expand hospital capacity that 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.This drove a frantic effort to expand hospital capacity that 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.
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 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 state’s death toll is 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 state’s death toll is 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.”
For a lot of New Yorkers, the time of coronavirus will be defined by two sounds.For a lot of New Yorkers, the time of coronavirus will be defined by two sounds.
One is the ambulance sirens, shrieking at random, at all hours, through deserted streets.One is the ambulance sirens, shrieking at random, at all hours, through deserted streets.
The other is its opposite: the nightly 7 p.m. cheer for the hundreds of thousands of people saving lives and keeping the city running — health care providers, emergency workers, grocery workers, delivery riders.The other is its opposite: the nightly 7 p.m. cheer for the hundreds of thousands of people saving lives and keeping the city running — health care providers, emergency workers, grocery workers, delivery riders.
In a city where the instinct to gather in crowds has been thwarted by the virus, the cheering gives people — from their separate windows, terraces, fire escapes, stoops and rooftops — a way to connect.In a city where the instinct to gather in crowds has been thwarted by the virus, the cheering gives people — from their separate windows, terraces, fire escapes, stoops and rooftops — a way to connect.
The daily ovation, which began in China and has traveled around the globe with the virus, cheers some of the front-line workers, too.The daily ovation, which began in China and has traveled around the globe with the virus, cheers some of the front-line workers, too.
“I avoid being out on the street at 7 p.m.,” said Oswaldo Luciano, a nurse at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan, “because if on my walk home I would hear all that cheering, I would break down and cry. I cannot let myself cry at this very moment.”“I avoid being out on the street at 7 p.m.,” said Oswaldo Luciano, a nurse at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan, “because if on my walk home I would hear all that cheering, I would break down and cry. I cannot let myself cry at this very moment.”
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.
Five more people in New York City shelters have died of the coronavirus, as the pandemic continues to spread through the city’s homeless population.Five more people in New York City shelters have died of the coronavirus, as the pandemic continues to spread through the city’s homeless population.
The Department of Social Services reported that a total of 20 people staying in the city’s shelter system had died as of Thursday. And 300 people across 109 shelters had tested positive, meaning the coronavirus has now affected at least a quarter of the main shelter system.The Department of Social Services reported that a total of 20 people staying in the city’s shelter system had died as of Thursday. And 300 people across 109 shelters had tested positive, meaning the coronavirus has now affected at least a quarter of the main shelter system.
The social services department has not publicly disclosed the names of the deceased, but a majority of them are single men who lived in dormitory-style shelters where social distancing is nearly impossible.The social services department has not publicly disclosed the names of the deceased, but a majority of them are single men who lived in dormitory-style shelters where social distancing is nearly impossible.
The five recent deaths were all men, three of whom were living in dormitory-style shelters and two in shelters for adult families.The five recent deaths were all men, three of whom were living in dormitory-style shelters and two in shelters for adult families.
The city has been placing people who test positive or exhibit coronavirus symptoms in hotel rooms where they can better isolate themselves. About 450 people were in hotels on Thursday, while 128 had left the rooms after recovering from symptoms, according to the social services agency.The city has been placing people who test positive or exhibit coronavirus symptoms in hotel rooms where they can better isolate themselves. About 450 people were in hotels on Thursday, while 128 had left the rooms after recovering from symptoms, according to the social services agency.
The city has set aside 700 rooms and has added three hotels to move single adults 70 and older out of congregate shelters. But advocates for homeless people are calling on Mayor Bill de Blasio to use 30,000 additional empty hotel rooms so that more people can properly distance themselves.The city has set aside 700 rooms and has added three hotels to move single adults 70 and older out of congregate shelters. But advocates for homeless people are calling on Mayor Bill de Blasio to use 30,000 additional empty hotel rooms so that more people can properly distance themselves.
The Urban Justice Center started a GoFundMe campaign to help homeless people move from streets and subway stations and into hotel rooms. The group has raised about $29,000, but Paulette Soltani, the political director of the advocacy group VOCAL-NY, said the money raised was not nearly enough to meet the need.The Urban Justice Center started a GoFundMe campaign to help homeless people move from streets and subway stations and into hotel rooms. The group has raised about $29,000, but Paulette Soltani, the political director of the advocacy group VOCAL-NY, said the money raised was not nearly enough to meet the need.
“Securing 30,000 hotel rooms would save lives of homeless, their co-workers, shelter workers and their families,” Ms. Soltani said in a statement. “Other cities and states are already doing this.”“Securing 30,000 hotel rooms would save lives of homeless, their co-workers, shelter workers and their families,” Ms. Soltani said in a statement. “Other cities and states are already doing this.”
Mayor Bill de Blasio on Friday called for a rent freeze for the more than two million New Yorkers living in rent-stabilized apartments who may be struggling to pay during the coronavirus pandemic.Mayor Bill de Blasio on Friday called for a rent freeze for the more than two 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.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.”“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.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.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.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, 10,538 people had tested positive for the disease as of Friday evening — with black people testing positive at twice the rate of whites — and 448 have died.In Connecticut, 10,538 people had tested positive for the disease as of Friday evening — with black people testing positive at twice the rate of whites — and 448 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.
Plans to turn the Cathedral of St. John the Divine into a 200-bed coronavirus field hospital were abruptly shelved on Thursday. The official reason given by public officials was that a leveling off in virus-related hospitalizations in New York City had made them reassess the need for the project.Plans to turn the Cathedral of St. John the Divine into a 200-bed coronavirus field hospital were abruptly shelved on Thursday. The official reason given by public officials was that a leveling off in virus-related hospitalizations in New York City had made them reassess the need for the project.
But behind the scenes, Episcopal leaders said they were upset by the role played by an evangelical humanitarian organization whose approach to L.G.B.T. issues runs counter to that of the Episcopal Diocese of New York, which is based at the cathedral.But behind the scenes, Episcopal leaders said they were upset by the role played by an evangelical humanitarian organization whose approach to L.G.B.T. issues runs counter to that of the Episcopal Diocese of New York, which is based at the cathedral.
The group, Samaritan’s Purse — which the diocese said it did not realize was involved — is led by the Rev. Franklin Graham, who has been criticized for anti-Muslim and anti-L.G.B.T.Q. rhetoric. The organization’s statement of faith includes a belief that “marriage is exclusively the union of one genetic male and one genetic female.”The group, Samaritan’s Purse — which the diocese said it did not realize was involved — is led by the Rev. Franklin Graham, who has been criticized for anti-Muslim and anti-L.G.B.T.Q. rhetoric. The organization’s statement of faith includes a belief that “marriage is exclusively the union of one genetic male and one genetic female.”
Updated May 28, 2020 Updated June 1, 2020
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.
There is an uptick in people reporting symptoms of chilblains, which are painful red or purple lesions that typically appear in the winter on fingers or toes. The lesions are emerging as yet another symptom of infection with the new coronavirus. Chilblains are caused by inflammation in small blood vessels in reaction to cold or damp conditions, but they are usually common in the coldest winter months. Federal health officials do not include toe lesions in the list of coronavirus symptoms, but some dermatologists are pushing for a change, saying so-called Covid toe should be sufficient grounds for testing.
Yes, but make sure you keep six feet of distance between you and people who don’t live in your home. Even if you just hang out in a park, rather than go for a jog or a walk, getting some fresh air, and hopefully sunshine, is a good idea.Yes, but make sure you keep six feet of distance between you and people who don’t live in your home. Even if you just hang out in a park, rather than go for a jog or a walk, getting some fresh air, and hopefully sunshine, is a good idea.
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Charity Navigator, which evaluates charities using a numbers-based system, has a running list of nonprofits working in communities affected by the outbreak. You can give blood through the American Red Cross, and World Central Kitchen has stepped in to distribute meals in major cities.Charity Navigator, which evaluates charities using a numbers-based system, has a running list of nonprofits working in communities affected by the outbreak. You can give blood through the American Red Cross, and World Central Kitchen has stepped in to distribute meals in major cities.
The role of Samaritan’s Purse in responding to the coronavirus outbreak in New York first drew criticism last month when the group, in partnership with the Mount Sinai Health System, built a field hospital in Central Park.The role of Samaritan’s Purse in responding to the coronavirus outbreak in New York first drew criticism last month when the group, in partnership with the Mount Sinai Health System, built a field hospital in Central Park.
Mr. de Blasio said at a news conference last week that the city had received assurances from Samaritan’s Purse that it would follow local anti-discrimination laws in providing treatment.Mr. de Blasio said at a news conference last week that the city had received assurances from Samaritan’s Purse that it would follow local anti-discrimination laws in providing treatment.
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.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.
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 discharged.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 discharged.
But the huge jump in the numbers suggests that the virus was involved in many of the recent deaths.But the huge jump in the numbers suggests that 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.”
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.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.
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.
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.”
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.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.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.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.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.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.”“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.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.“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.
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.
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Reporting was contributed by Matthew Haag, Winnie Hu, Corey Kilgannon, Andy Newman, Sarah Maslin Nir, William K. Rashbaum, Brian M. Rosenthal, Liam Stack, Andrea Salcedo, Nikita Stewart, 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, Liam Stack, Andrea Salcedo, Nikita Stewart, Tracey Tully and Ali Watkins.