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Coronavirus Kills 758 in New York but Data Suggest Spread Is Slowing Coronavirus Kills 758 in New York but Data Suggest Spread Is Slowing
(1 day later)
[This briefing has ended. For the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak in the New York area, read Monday’s live coverage.][This briefing has ended. For the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak in the New York area, read Monday’s live coverage.]
A day after Mayor Bill de Blasio said that New York City schools would be closed for the remainder of the academic year, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo continued to insist that the final decision was his.A day after Mayor Bill de Blasio said that New York City schools would be closed for the remainder of the academic year, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo continued to insist that the final decision was his.
“We won’t open schools one minute sooner than they should be opened but we won’t open schools one minute later than they should be opened either,” the governor said Sunday.“We won’t open schools one minute sooner than they should be opened but we won’t open schools one minute later than they should be opened either,” the governor said Sunday.
“I do not know what we will be doing in June,” he added, in a seeming rebuke to the mayor. “Nobody knows what we will be doing in June.”“I do not know what we will be doing in June,” he added, in a seeming rebuke to the mayor. “Nobody knows what we will be doing in June.”
Asked if he had any plans to announce school closures, Mr. Cuomo demurred.Asked if he had any plans to announce school closures, Mr. Cuomo demurred.
“We are where we are,” he said. “We are where we were.”“We are where we are,” he said. “We are where we were.”
Earlier Sunday, Mr. de Blasio said that the governor had “done a very good job in this crisis,” but that it was clear that schools should be closed until September.Earlier Sunday, Mr. de Blasio said that the governor had “done a very good job in this crisis,” but that it was clear that schools should be closed until September.
The mayor first announced the extended closure on Saturday, seemingly confirming that more than three months of regular schooling for 1.1 million children would be lost because of the coronavirus. In a Saturday evening interview, he said that he was in charge the city’s school system, along with the schools chancellor, Richard A. Carranza.The mayor first announced the extended closure on Saturday, seemingly confirming that more than three months of regular schooling for 1.1 million children would be lost because of the coronavirus. In a Saturday evening interview, he said that he was in charge the city’s school system, along with the schools chancellor, Richard A. Carranza.
But Mr. Cuomo’s aides have insisted that Mr. de Blasio does not have the legal authority to extend the school shutdown.But Mr. Cuomo’s aides have insisted that Mr. de Blasio does not have the legal authority to extend the school shutdown.
The decision to extend the closure would add to an enormous challenge for roughly 1,800 schools across the city’s five boroughs, which have scrambled to adjust to remote learning since they were initially closed on March 16.The decision to extend the closure would add to an enormous challenge for roughly 1,800 schools across the city’s five boroughs, which have scrambled to adjust to remote learning since they were initially closed on March 16.
Mr. Cuomo said on Sunday that 758 more people had died in New York, bringing the total killed by the coronavirus in the state to 9,385.Mr. Cuomo said on Sunday that 758 more people had died in New York, bringing the total killed by the coronavirus in the state to 9,385.
Other indicators were more positive, the governor said, continuing last week’s pattern during which, even as hundreds of people died daily, rates of hospitalization and other data suggested that the spread of the virus had slowed.Other indicators were more positive, the governor said, continuing last week’s pattern during which, even as hundreds of people died daily, rates of hospitalization and other data suggested that the spread of the virus had slowed.
Other updates from the governor’s Sunday briefing:Other updates from the governor’s Sunday briefing:
8,236 new people tested positive for the coronavirus, bringing the total statewide to 188,694.8,236 new people tested positive for the coronavirus, bringing the total statewide to 188,694.
103,208 of those people are in New York City, where 4,900 new positive cases were reported on Sunday.103,208 of those people are in New York City, where 4,900 new positive cases were reported on Sunday.
The number of people newly hospitalized, 53, was “the lowest number since we started doing these charts,” Mr. Cuomo said. The total number of people currently hospitalized statewide is now 18,707.The number of people newly hospitalized, 53, was “the lowest number since we started doing these charts,” Mr. Cuomo said. The total number of people currently hospitalized statewide is now 18,707.
189 new patients were admitted to intensive care units, bringing the statewide total to 5,198.189 new patients were admitted to intensive care units, bringing the statewide total to 5,198.
110 more patients have been intubated, for a statewide total of 4,449.110 more patients have been intubated, for a statewide total of 4,449.
1,862 people were discharged from New York hospitals.1,862 people were discharged from New York hospitals.
Overall, Mr. Cuomo said, “You’re not seeing a great decline in the numbers but you are seeing a flattening.”Overall, Mr. Cuomo said, “You’re not seeing a great decline in the numbers but you are seeing a flattening.”
Mr. Cuomo again criticized federal action responding to the coronavirus, saying that money had been misdirected, and that states that were less hard-hit had been given a disproportionate amount of funding.Mr. Cuomo again criticized federal action responding to the coronavirus, saying that money had been misdirected, and that states that were less hard-hit had been given a disproportionate amount of funding.
He said that he would sign an executive order on Sunday that would direct employers at essential businesses to provide employees with cloth or surgical face masks to wear when interacting with the public.He said that he would sign an executive order on Sunday that would direct employers at essential businesses to provide employees with cloth or surgical face masks to wear when interacting with the public.
As he stood to leave his news briefing, a reporter asked the governor, who in an earlier appearance on Sunday did not wear a mask or gloves, if he had a plan should he get infected.As he stood to leave his news briefing, a reporter asked the governor, who in an earlier appearance on Sunday did not wear a mask or gloves, if he had a plan should he get infected.
Mr. Cuomo replied, “My plan is to do this from home.”Mr. Cuomo replied, “My plan is to do this from home.”
On Sunday afternoon, the governor’s office released a warning about extreme weather conditions that are expected to hit Western New York and the Finger Lakes regions starting Sunday night.On Sunday afternoon, the governor’s office released a warning about extreme weather conditions that are expected to hit Western New York and the Finger Lakes regions starting Sunday night.
“This storm has the potential to cause widespread power outages across most of New York, and I have directed our state’s emergency response assets to be prepared to help our local partners should they need it,” the governor said in a statement. “New Yorkers across the state are heeding our guidance to stay home during the Covid-19 pandemic, but this storm makes that call all the more urgent.”“This storm has the potential to cause widespread power outages across most of New York, and I have directed our state’s emergency response assets to be prepared to help our local partners should they need it,” the governor said in a statement. “New Yorkers across the state are heeding our guidance to stay home during the Covid-19 pandemic, but this storm makes that call all the more urgent.”
New York City last week released preliminary data showing that the coronavirus is killing black and Latino New Yorkers at twice the rate that it is killing white New Yorkers.New York City last week released preliminary data showing that the coronavirus is killing black and Latino New Yorkers at twice the rate that it is killing white New Yorkers.
On Sunday, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the city would open testing centers in an effort to begin addressing those disparities.On Sunday, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the city would open testing centers in an effort to begin addressing those disparities.
“We cannot accept this inequality,” he said.“We cannot accept this inequality,” he said.
He said that by the end of next week, the city would open the testing centers in East New York, Brooklyn; Morrisania, Bronx; Harlem, Manhattan; Jamaica, Queens; and Clifton, Staten Island.He said that by the end of next week, the city would open the testing centers in East New York, Brooklyn; Morrisania, Bronx; Harlem, Manhattan; Jamaica, Queens; and Clifton, Staten Island.
Mr. de Blasio said there continued to be encouraging signs in the city’s fight against the virus. The number of those who needed to be intubated on a daily basis continued to fall, to about 70 patients a day from 200 to 300, he said.Mr. de Blasio said there continued to be encouraging signs in the city’s fight against the virus. The number of those who needed to be intubated on a daily basis continued to fall, to about 70 patients a day from 200 to 300, he said.
The mayor added that the city had a large enough supply of ventilators to get through the week. He said that all city workers who had contact with the public would be required to wear face coverings starting Monday.The mayor added that the city had a large enough supply of ventilators to get through the week. He said that all city workers who had contact with the public would be required to wear face coverings starting Monday.
Mr. de Blasio repeated that progress in the fight against the virus was contingent on more testing, something that the city did not have the capability to provide for itself. He said that he had continued to ask the White House and FEMA for more testing.Mr. de Blasio repeated that progress in the fight against the virus was contingent on more testing, something that the city did not have the capability to provide for itself. He said that he had continued to ask the White House and FEMA for more testing.
“We must have the testing to help us move towards that next phase, where we get out of widespread transmission of coronavirus and move to low-level transmission,” he said.“We must have the testing to help us move towards that next phase, where we get out of widespread transmission of coronavirus and move to low-level transmission,” he said.
President Trump said Sunday that 418 doctors, nurses and respiratory therapists who had previously been stationed on the Navy hospital ship, the Comfort and at the makeshift hospital at the Jacob K. Javits center, had been redeployed to hospitals around New York City and state.President Trump said Sunday that 418 doctors, nurses and respiratory therapists who had previously been stationed on the Navy hospital ship, the Comfort and at the makeshift hospital at the Jacob K. Javits center, had been redeployed to hospitals around New York City and state.
The obstetrics unit at Brooklyn Hospital Center, which delivers about 2,600 babies a year, is typically a place of celebration and fulfilled hopes. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, it has been transformed.The obstetrics unit at Brooklyn Hospital Center, which delivers about 2,600 babies a year, is typically a place of celebration and fulfilled hopes. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, it has been transformed.
Nearly 200 babies have arrived since the beginning of March, according to Dr. Erroll Byer Jr., chairman of the department of obstetrics and gynecology. Twenty-nine pregnant or delivering women have had suspected or confirmed cases of Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus.Nearly 200 babies have arrived since the beginning of March, according to Dr. Erroll Byer Jr., chairman of the department of obstetrics and gynecology. Twenty-nine pregnant or delivering women have had suspected or confirmed cases of Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus.
They have been kept separate from other patients. Mothers-to-be are confined to their rooms, and visitors are kept to a minimum. Multiple doctors and nurses in the department have fallen ill.They have been kept separate from other patients. Mothers-to-be are confined to their rooms, and visitors are kept to a minimum. Multiple doctors and nurses in the department have fallen ill.
Angela Lewis, a maternity nurse who has worked at the hospital for three decades, put on an N95 mask, a blue plastic gown, gloves, bootees and a face shield to enter the room of Basharrie McKenzie, a pregnant woman who survived severe illness with Covid-19.Angela Lewis, a maternity nurse who has worked at the hospital for three decades, put on an N95 mask, a blue plastic gown, gloves, bootees and a face shield to enter the room of Basharrie McKenzie, a pregnant woman who survived severe illness with Covid-19.
“You just be a little bit more careful,” Ms. Lewis said. “And pray, pray.”“You just be a little bit more careful,” Ms. Lewis said. “And pray, pray.”
Even healthy pregnant women are anxious.Even healthy pregnant women are anxious.
Updated June 30, 2020
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.
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
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.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
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 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.
“They don’t feel the happiness and joy that many people experience” at this time of life, Dr. Byer said.“They don’t feel the happiness and joy that many people experience” at this time of life, Dr. Byer said.
Pregnant women are thought to be at a similar risk for severe illness from Covid-19 as other people. But Dr. Byer said that more research was needed, particularly in communities, like Brooklyn, where obesity, diabetes and hypertension are common among expectant mothers.Pregnant women are thought to be at a similar risk for severe illness from Covid-19 as other people. But Dr. Byer said that more research was needed, particularly in communities, like Brooklyn, where obesity, diabetes and hypertension are common among expectant mothers.
But he is grateful: So far, not one mother or baby has been lost.But he is grateful: So far, not one mother or baby has been lost.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan spoke to rows of empty pews at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City on Easter Sunday, his voice echoing across the church as parishioners watched online.Cardinal Timothy Dolan spoke to rows of empty pews at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City on Easter Sunday, his voice echoing across the church as parishioners watched online.
He praised the technology that allowed him, and many other area churches, to broadcast the mass.He praised the technology that allowed him, and many other area churches, to broadcast the mass.
“We’re glad that through live streaming,” he said, “so many of you can be with us.”“We’re glad that through live streaming,” he said, “so many of you can be with us.”
Cardinal Dolan said he would follow the guidance of doctors, scientists and civic leaders about when to reopen church doors to congregants.Cardinal Dolan said he would follow the guidance of doctors, scientists and civic leaders about when to reopen church doors to congregants.
“Faith, of course, doesn’t depend on things physical,” he said in an interview on CBS. “And we have faith these days that even though we can’t sadly get to the synagogue or to our parish churches, we can still be in union with God through prayer, through sincerity, through earnestness, through charity to others.”“Faith, of course, doesn’t depend on things physical,” he said in an interview on CBS. “And we have faith these days that even though we can’t sadly get to the synagogue or to our parish churches, we can still be in union with God through prayer, through sincerity, through earnestness, through charity to others.”
“And, thanks be to God, so many are using the technological advances that we have, live-streaming, radio, TV, you name it,” he said.“And, thanks be to God, so many are using the technological advances that we have, live-streaming, radio, TV, you name it,” he said.
On Friday afternoon, a man in Montclair, N.J. sat in his living room, with a dog on his lap. His family was safe, but, he said, “I can feel the storm going on around, outside me.”On Friday afternoon, a man in Montclair, N.J. sat in his living room, with a dog on his lap. His family was safe, but, he said, “I can feel the storm going on around, outside me.”
The next night, a young woman in Brooklyn said that when she walks outside she sees “so much fear on people’s faces.” “She said she looked forward to getting married after this pandemic but wondered if the ceremony would have to be much smaller than she imagined.”The next night, a young woman in Brooklyn said that when she walks outside she sees “so much fear on people’s faces.” “She said she looked forward to getting married after this pandemic but wondered if the ceremony would have to be much smaller than she imagined.”
Minutes later, another woman chimed in to say she was “currently in the backyard of someone” who she was in the midst of a second date with. “Our first date was a walk, a hike in the woods,” she said.Minutes later, another woman chimed in to say she was “currently in the backyard of someone” who she was in the midst of a second date with. “Our first date was a walk, a hike in the woods,” she said.
These are among the dozens of recordings people have left as part of a new project called Socially Distant.These are among the dozens of recordings people have left as part of a new project called Socially Distant.
The project was created late last month by Matthew Chavez, an artist; Thomas Reintjes, an audio producer; and Dean Haddock, a creative technologist and Knight Nieman Visiting Fellow.The project was created late last month by Matthew Chavez, an artist; Thomas Reintjes, an audio producer; and Dean Haddock, a creative technologist and Knight Nieman Visiting Fellow.
“It’s interesting for people to describe whatever fishbowl they’re trapped in,” Mr. Chavez said in a Zoom interview from his apartment in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. “What a wonderful, weird time it was to notice things.”“It’s interesting for people to describe whatever fishbowl they’re trapped in,” Mr. Chavez said in a Zoom interview from his apartment in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. “What a wonderful, weird time it was to notice things.”
To participate, people can call a telephone number (951-963-3643) and they can either record a short message for other people to hear, or listen to what others have said. Callers are asked to leave “a reflection, thought or story.” Callers are asked to keep themselves, as well as those they mention in their recordings, anonymous.To participate, people can call a telephone number (951-963-3643) and they can either record a short message for other people to hear, or listen to what others have said. Callers are asked to leave “a reflection, thought or story.” Callers are asked to keep themselves, as well as those they mention in their recordings, anonymous.
Its creators want the project to do more than distract and entertain. They hope to partner with an organization to preserve the recordings, as a time capsule, they said.Its creators want the project to do more than distract and entertain. They hope to partner with an organization to preserve the recordings, as a time capsule, they said.
Mr. Haddock — who was stuck in California after an ill-timed trip from his home in Green Point — said if the material collected by the project “is used to justify improvements in our health care or our way of life that ultimately remind us that we don’t want to go through this again, than it will have served some purpose.”Mr. Haddock — who was stuck in California after an ill-timed trip from his home in Green Point — said if the material collected by the project “is used to justify improvements in our health care or our way of life that ultimately remind us that we don’t want to go through this again, than it will have served some purpose.”
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’s happening 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’s happening 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 Victor J. Blue, Jonah Engel Bromwich, Shaina Feinberg, Sheri Fink, Jan Hoffman, Azi Paybarah, Julia Rothman, Edgar Sandoval, Eliza Shapiro, Tracey Tully and Katie Van Syckle.Reporting was contributed by Victor J. Blue, Jonah Engel Bromwich, Shaina Feinberg, Sheri Fink, Jan Hoffman, Azi Paybarah, Julia Rothman, Edgar Sandoval, Eliza Shapiro, Tracey Tully and Katie Van Syckle.