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New Role for New York Police: Breaking Up Crowds at Trader Joe’s New Role for New York Police: Breaking Up Crowds at Trader Joe’s
(about 13 hours later)
A message popped up on Sgt. Joseph Rosso’s phone. It was not a robbery in progress, or a report of shooting, or a domestic dispute. The message said a small crowd had gathered outside a Trader Joe’s grocery store in Lower Manhattan.A message popped up on Sgt. Joseph Rosso’s phone. It was not a robbery in progress, or a report of shooting, or a domestic dispute. The message said a small crowd had gathered outside a Trader Joe’s grocery store in Lower Manhattan.
Ordinarily, a cluster of people in front of a city store would not merit the police’s attention. But these are not ordinary times. Shaking his head, Sergeant Rosso stepped on the gas, and the police cruiser lurched forward, its red and blue lights blaring. As the car neared 14th Street and Second Avenue, about 10 people in front of the grocery store slowly stepped apart.Ordinarily, a cluster of people in front of a city store would not merit the police’s attention. But these are not ordinary times. Shaking his head, Sergeant Rosso stepped on the gas, and the police cruiser lurched forward, its red and blue lights blaring. As the car neared 14th Street and Second Avenue, about 10 people in front of the grocery store slowly stepped apart.
“I’ve lived in the city my whole life, I’ve never imagined this,” Sergeant Rosso said. “It’s very surreal.”“I’ve lived in the city my whole life, I’ve never imagined this,” Sergeant Rosso said. “It’s very surreal.”
This is law enforcement in the age of a pandemic. Sergeant Rosso and his partner, Officer Nicholas Contardo, are members of a 708-member task force that has been drawn from other duties to enforce social-distancing rules intended to stem the spread of the coronavirus.This is law enforcement in the age of a pandemic. Sergeant Rosso and his partner, Officer Nicholas Contardo, are members of a 708-member task force that has been drawn from other duties to enforce social-distancing rules intended to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
The epidemic has affected almost every aspect of policing in the nation’s biggest city. Violent crime has dropped precipitously. Patrol officers find themselves reassigned to act as public health police of sorts, warning people not to socialize. Detectives are responding to a growing number of calls to investigate deaths at home; they wear Tyvek suits, gloves, masks and face shields to prevent exposure to the virus.The epidemic has affected almost every aspect of policing in the nation’s biggest city. Violent crime has dropped precipitously. Patrol officers find themselves reassigned to act as public health police of sorts, warning people not to socialize. Detectives are responding to a growing number of calls to investigate deaths at home; they wear Tyvek suits, gloves, masks and face shields to prevent exposure to the virus.
Rank and file officers are carrying surgical masks and latex gloves along with their usual pistols, Mace and handcuffs. And officers of every rank worry that mundane arrests, interviews and other interactions with people — activities they used to do without a thought — might lead to infection.Rank and file officers are carrying surgical masks and latex gloves along with their usual pistols, Mace and handcuffs. And officers of every rank worry that mundane arrests, interviews and other interactions with people — activities they used to do without a thought — might lead to infection.
“You’re always concerned when you’re making an arrest — what somebody may have, if you’re going to catch it,” said one patrol officer in Brooklyn, who asked not to be identified because he was not authorized to give interviews. “Now it’s more so. But you have to do your job.”“You’re always concerned when you’re making an arrest — what somebody may have, if you’re going to catch it,” said one patrol officer in Brooklyn, who asked not to be identified because he was not authorized to give interviews. “Now it’s more so. But you have to do your job.”
The changes wrought by the epidemic are evident in the additional supplies needed to patrol a city that has become the face of the nation’s health crisis. Last week, on Thursday alone, the department delivered to precinct station houses 28,000 N95 face masks, 53,000 surgical masks and 19,000 pairs of gloves, the police said.The changes wrought by the epidemic are evident in the additional supplies needed to patrol a city that has become the face of the nation’s health crisis. Last week, on Thursday alone, the department delivered to precinct station houses 28,000 N95 face masks, 53,000 surgical masks and 19,000 pairs of gloves, the police said.
As millions of New Yorkers follow orders to shelter in place, major crimes have dropped steeply in the last month, easing some pressure on the police. In the last four weeks, homicides dropped by 20 percent, for instance, and reported rapes by 45 percent, compared with the same period last year.As millions of New Yorkers follow orders to shelter in place, major crimes have dropped steeply in the last month, easing some pressure on the police. In the last four weeks, homicides dropped by 20 percent, for instance, and reported rapes by 45 percent, compared with the same period last year.
But as crime has ebbed, police officers find themselves engaged in a very different fight against a microscopic threat that makes every interaction with the public dangerous to their health.But as crime has ebbed, police officers find themselves engaged in a very different fight against a microscopic threat that makes every interaction with the public dangerous to their health.
Nearly 20 percent of the 36,000-member police force has called in sick since the virus began taking a toll in the department. At least 20 department employees, including two detectives and a police officer, have died from Covid-19.Nearly 20 percent of the 36,000-member police force has called in sick since the virus began taking a toll in the department. At least 20 department employees, including two detectives and a police officer, have died from Covid-19.
“It’s a silent bullet,” said Paul DiGiacomo, the president of the Detectives Endowment Association, which represents 5,500 detectives.“It’s a silent bullet,” said Paul DiGiacomo, the president of the Detectives Endowment Association, which represents 5,500 detectives.
Commissioner Dermot F. Shea has vowed the department will prevail in what he has called “the fight of a generation.” He has pointed out that since the crisis started in mid-March, about 600 police officers have returned to their assignments after recovering from the virus.Commissioner Dermot F. Shea has vowed the department will prevail in what he has called “the fight of a generation.” He has pointed out that since the crisis started in mid-March, about 600 police officers have returned to their assignments after recovering from the virus.
“When this thing started, people talked about well maybe this is the flu,” Mr. Shea said on Twitter on Friday. “This is not the flu.”“When this thing started, people talked about well maybe this is the flu,” Mr. Shea said on Twitter on Friday. “This is not the flu.”
To attack the virus, Inspector Marlon Larin said the department has mobilized the Citywide All-Out Task Force, which is usually assembled to flood high-crime areas and other assignments. “It’s something we’ve already been doing,” he said. “Just not this scale, on this magnitude and for this reason.”To attack the virus, Inspector Marlon Larin said the department has mobilized the Citywide All-Out Task Force, which is usually assembled to flood high-crime areas and other assignments. “It’s something we’ve already been doing,” he said. “Just not this scale, on this magnitude and for this reason.”
The commanding officer of the task force, Chief Raymond Spinella, said his officers are also being asked to shore up patrols in precincts where numerous officers have called in sick.The commanding officer of the task force, Chief Raymond Spinella, said his officers are also being asked to shore up patrols in precincts where numerous officers have called in sick.
On a recent morning, Sergeant Rosso and Officer Contardo mustered with about 30 other officers assigned to enforce social-distancing rules in the courtyard of the department’s former police academy in Gramercy Park. They all wore blue-green surgical masks and stood well apart from each other, eyes focused on their commander, Deputy Chief Edward Winski.On a recent morning, Sergeant Rosso and Officer Contardo mustered with about 30 other officers assigned to enforce social-distancing rules in the courtyard of the department’s former police academy in Gramercy Park. They all wore blue-green surgical masks and stood well apart from each other, eyes focused on their commander, Deputy Chief Edward Winski.
“There is no cure for the coronavirus,” Chief Winski said. “There is no vaccine. So right now the only tool we have to deal with it is mitigation. Mitigation, mitigation, mitigation. What does that mean? Social distancing. Wash your hands. Six feet apart.”“There is no cure for the coronavirus,” Chief Winski said. “There is no vaccine. So right now the only tool we have to deal with it is mitigation. Mitigation, mitigation, mitigation. What does that mean? Social distancing. Wash your hands. Six feet apart.”
Chief Winski said he understood that the assignment seemed bizarre. “If you had told me three or four weeks ago that we were going to go around the parks and tell people to stand apart, social distancing, I would not even know what that meant,” the chief said. “Make no mistake. You are saving lives.”Chief Winski said he understood that the assignment seemed bizarre. “If you had told me three or four weeks ago that we were going to go around the parks and tell people to stand apart, social distancing, I would not even know what that meant,” the chief said. “Make no mistake. You are saving lives.”
As Sergeant Rosso and Officer Contardo started their shift, they sprayed a disinfectant in their police cruiser and vigorously scrubbed the panels, wheel and seats with towels. “We have to make sure it’s clean,” the sergeant said.As Sergeant Rosso and Officer Contardo started their shift, they sprayed a disinfectant in their police cruiser and vigorously scrubbed the panels, wheel and seats with towels. “We have to make sure it’s clean,” the sergeant said.
Police cruisers began to move out, their lights on, responding to calls of overcrowding at stores, parks, subways and even elevators.Police cruisers began to move out, their lights on, responding to calls of overcrowding at stores, parks, subways and even elevators.
Officer Contardo said he was already thinking ahead to when his shift would end. Each night, he said, he wondered if he would bring the virus home to his wife and three young children in Massapequa, Long Island. He has been obsessed with every cough or itch in his throat.Officer Contardo said he was already thinking ahead to when his shift would end. Each night, he said, he wondered if he would bring the virus home to his wife and three young children in Massapequa, Long Island. He has been obsessed with every cough or itch in his throat.
“You think, ‘Is this a symptom?’” he said. “You worry.”“You think, ‘Is this a symptom?’” he said. “You worry.”
Every night, he said, as soon as he gets home, he takes a shower and changes clothes before hugging his children. “My kids are young, so they don’t always understand,” he said. “But you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do.”Every night, he said, as soon as he gets home, he takes a shower and changes clothes before hugging his children. “My kids are young, so they don’t always understand,” he said. “But you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do.”
Sergeant Rosso said he worries about infecting his fiancée. “We know it’s part of our job,” he said. “You don’t want to put others in danger.”Sergeant Rosso said he worries about infecting his fiancée. “We know it’s part of our job,” he said. “You don’t want to put others in danger.”
Supermarkets have become trouble spots, the officers say, as people tend to crowd together in their eagerness to get their hands on food and supplies. An hour into their shift, the officers responded to a second report of a crowd gathered at a Trader Joe’s a few blocks east on 14th Street.Supermarkets have become trouble spots, the officers say, as people tend to crowd together in their eagerness to get their hands on food and supplies. An hour into their shift, the officers responded to a second report of a crowd gathered at a Trader Joe’s a few blocks east on 14th Street.
When the officers arrived, they found a store employee with a face mask trying to manage a wayward line of frustrated people that extended the length of a city block. The police got out of their patrol car to make their presence known, and people moved apart.When the officers arrived, they found a store employee with a face mask trying to manage a wayward line of frustrated people that extended the length of a city block. The police got out of their patrol car to make their presence known, and people moved apart.
“If you are not wearing a face covering, you will not be able to get in!” the employee yelled.“If you are not wearing a face covering, you will not be able to get in!” the employee yelled.
Most people in the line had a mask or cloth over their faces. But Paulina Ferrari, 21, a college student originally from San Diego, forgot a face covering. “This is not something we are used to thinking,” she said.Most people in the line had a mask or cloth over their faces. But Paulina Ferrari, 21, a college student originally from San Diego, forgot a face covering. “This is not something we are used to thinking,” she said.
“Can you pull your shirt up over your face while you shop?” the employee asked. “Yes,” Ms. Ferrari replied.“Can you pull your shirt up over your face while you shop?” the employee asked. “Yes,” Ms. Ferrari replied.
Updated June 16, 2020Updated June 16, 2020
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.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.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.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.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
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.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Sergeant Rosso and Officer Contardo watched from several feet away, pleased that their presence seemed to be enough to compel people to follow rules. Still, Sergeant Rosso said with a chuckle, it would be even better if crowds dispersed without the police having to be called.Sergeant Rosso and Officer Contardo watched from several feet away, pleased that their presence seemed to be enough to compel people to follow rules. Still, Sergeant Rosso said with a chuckle, it would be even better if crowds dispersed without the police having to be called.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, who has lectured city residents about avoiding playing sports or gathering in parks, announced fines of up to $1,000 on New Yorkers who defy the authorities.Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, who has lectured city residents about avoiding playing sports or gathering in parks, announced fines of up to $1,000 on New Yorkers who defy the authorities.
But relatively few summonses have been issued — only 76 since March 17. One day last week officers checked on 2,178 supermarkets, 6,907 bars and restaurants and 1,119 public spaces. No summonses were issued, the police said.But relatively few summonses have been issued — only 76 since March 17. One day last week officers checked on 2,178 supermarkets, 6,907 bars and restaurants and 1,119 public spaces. No summonses were issued, the police said.
There have been notable exemptions. The police have broken up a handful of funerals in Jewish Orthodox enclaves in Brooklyn, which often draw large crowds.There have been notable exemptions. The police have broken up a handful of funerals in Jewish Orthodox enclaves in Brooklyn, which often draw large crowds.
“I realize that everyone wants to pay their respects, but at this point in time, we really have to control the disease,” said Inspector Georgios Mastrokostas, a supervisor on the task force.“I realize that everyone wants to pay their respects, but at this point in time, we really have to control the disease,” said Inspector Georgios Mastrokostas, a supervisor on the task force.
About 15 people who have defied the rules have been arrested. On March 28, for instance, the police responded to reports of an illegal bar in Brooklyn, where a dozen people were drinking and gambling, and charged the operator with reckless endangerment, the police said.About 15 people who have defied the rules have been arrested. On March 28, for instance, the police responded to reports of an illegal bar in Brooklyn, where a dozen people were drinking and gambling, and charged the operator with reckless endangerment, the police said.
“It’s a heavy hit if you are not complying,” said Inspector Mastrokostas.“It’s a heavy hit if you are not complying,” said Inspector Mastrokostas.
With Trader Joe’s under control, the officers headed to another known hot spot — a park at the corner of 36th Street and Second Avenue. Two weeks ago the state government shut down the city’s playgrounds to slow the spread of the coronavirus.With Trader Joe’s under control, the officers headed to another known hot spot — a park at the corner of 36th Street and Second Avenue. Two weeks ago the state government shut down the city’s playgrounds to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Metal gates had been closed to prevent people from entering the playground. A sign was posted that read: “Please exercise alone and use social distancing.”Metal gates had been closed to prevent people from entering the playground. A sign was posted that read: “Please exercise alone and use social distancing.”
A lone man was doing push-ups at one end of the park, and a father and son were throwing a baseball back and forth on the opposite end. In the middle, a 4-year-old named Augustus, wearing a thick white helmet, was riding his scooter. A few steps away, his father said he had made a game of washing hands with his son, telling the boy, “It’s a bad cold, a bad flu.”A lone man was doing push-ups at one end of the park, and a father and son were throwing a baseball back and forth on the opposite end. In the middle, a 4-year-old named Augustus, wearing a thick white helmet, was riding his scooter. A few steps away, his father said he had made a game of washing hands with his son, telling the boy, “It’s a bad cold, a bad flu.”
“The magnitude of it? I don’t think he understands,” the father said. “To be honest, I don’t think I understand either.”“The magnitude of it? I don’t think he understands,” the father said. “To be honest, I don’t think I understand either.”
Next the officers went to check on the Hookah Plus lounge on West 27th Street, where the previous day they had found five customers smoking inside. They had closed the place and had given the owner a lecture. Today, the gates were shut. “It makes me happy he complied,” Sergeant Rosso said.Next the officers went to check on the Hookah Plus lounge on West 27th Street, where the previous day they had found five customers smoking inside. They had closed the place and had given the owner a lecture. Today, the gates were shut. “It makes me happy he complied,” Sergeant Rosso said.
Their phone screens came alive again. Someone had reported a cluster of people outside Peter McManus Cafe on Seventh Avenue in Chelsea. By the time the officers arrived, only one man was standing by the door, waiting for his food order.Their phone screens came alive again. Someone had reported a cluster of people outside Peter McManus Cafe on Seventh Avenue in Chelsea. By the time the officers arrived, only one man was standing by the door, waiting for his food order.
Sergeant Rosso told an employee, Lawrence Jansen, 42, not to allow people to gather and eat outside the premises. “I’m giving you a warning,” he said.Sergeant Rosso told an employee, Lawrence Jansen, 42, not to allow people to gather and eat outside the premises. “I’m giving you a warning,” he said.
Mr. Jansen promised to make sure customers did not linger. People coming for takeout orders sometimes stick around instead of going straight home, he explained. “I feel like they want to stay and be social. Obviously, that can’t happen,” he said. “It is kind of hard to police it.”Mr. Jansen promised to make sure customers did not linger. People coming for takeout orders sometimes stick around instead of going straight home, he explained. “I feel like they want to stay and be social. Obviously, that can’t happen,” he said. “It is kind of hard to police it.”
Nate Schweber contributed reporting.Nate Schweber contributed reporting.