This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/17/nyregion/michael-cohen-release-prison-otisville-virus.html

The article has changed 32 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 11 Version 12
Michael Cohen Is Among Prisoners to Be Released Because of Virus Michael Cohen Is Among Prisoners to Be Released Because of Virus
(6 days later)
Michael D. Cohen, the disgraced former lawyer for President Trump, was among some of the inmates at a federal prison camp in upstate New York who were told they would be released into home confinement because of concerns about the spread of the coronavirus, several defense lawyers said on Friday.Michael D. Cohen, the disgraced former lawyer for President Trump, was among some of the inmates at a federal prison camp in upstate New York who were told they would be released into home confinement because of concerns about the spread of the coronavirus, several defense lawyers said on Friday.
The expected releases come about three weeks after Attorney General William P. Barr, who oversees the Bureau of Prisons, ordered a review to determine who among the country’s nearly 144,000 federal inmates could safely be furloughed to home confinement as the pandemic worsened.The expected releases come about three weeks after Attorney General William P. Barr, who oversees the Bureau of Prisons, ordered a review to determine who among the country’s nearly 144,000 federal inmates could safely be furloughed to home confinement as the pandemic worsened.
A week later, Mr. Barr directed prison officials to move more aggressively and expanded the criteria under which inmates could be released. According to the prison agency’s website, nearly 1,200 prisoners have been — after a required 14-day quarantine.A week later, Mr. Barr directed prison officials to move more aggressively and expanded the criteria under which inmates could be released. According to the prison agency’s website, nearly 1,200 prisoners have been — after a required 14-day quarantine.
The prison camp inmates set to be released upstate were serving sentences at a minimum-security camp that is attached to a medium-security federal prison and detention center in Otisville, about 75 miles northwest of New York City.The prison camp inmates set to be released upstate were serving sentences at a minimum-security camp that is attached to a medium-security federal prison and detention center in Otisville, about 75 miles northwest of New York City.
Officers began moving the majority of the inmates in the camp — more than 100 prisoners — on Friday afternoon from that dormitory setting into the medium-security prison in anticipation of possible release into home confinement, a prison official said.Officers began moving the majority of the inmates in the camp — more than 100 prisoners — on Friday afternoon from that dormitory setting into the medium-security prison in anticipation of possible release into home confinement, a prison official said.
At Otisville, 16 inmates and nine staff members have tested positive for the virus, according to the agency; they are among 465 inmates and 296 staff members in federal prisons nationwide with confirmed cases, according to its website.At Otisville, 16 inmates and nine staff members have tested positive for the virus, according to the agency; they are among 465 inmates and 296 staff members in federal prisons nationwide with confirmed cases, according to its website.
A spokesman for the Bureau of Prisons, Scott Taylor, said he could not comment on Mr. Cohen’s status or the suitability of any particular inmate for home confinement or compassionate release. He would not say how many prisoners have been released so far to home confinement from Otisville.A spokesman for the Bureau of Prisons, Scott Taylor, said he could not comment on Mr. Cohen’s status or the suitability of any particular inmate for home confinement or compassionate release. He would not say how many prisoners have been released so far to home confinement from Otisville.
Another prominent Otisville inmate, Dean G. Skelos, the former Republican State Senate majority leader who has been serving a four-year sentence in a corruption case, was also expected to be approved for furlough by the Bureau of Prisons, prosecutors said this week in court papers. Mr. Skelos had tested positive for the coronavirus and has been in quarantine, the government wrote.Another prominent Otisville inmate, Dean G. Skelos, the former Republican State Senate majority leader who has been serving a four-year sentence in a corruption case, was also expected to be approved for furlough by the Bureau of Prisons, prosecutors said this week in court papers. Mr. Skelos had tested positive for the coronavirus and has been in quarantine, the government wrote.
Mr. Cohen, 53, is serving a three-year sentence for federal crimes, including campaign finance violations as part of a scheme to pay hush money to two women who said they had affairs with Mr. Trump, which the president has denied.Mr. Cohen, 53, is serving a three-year sentence for federal crimes, including campaign finance violations as part of a scheme to pay hush money to two women who said they had affairs with Mr. Trump, which the president has denied.
On Thursday night, Mr. Cohen’s lawyer, Roger B. Adler, said that, after two weeks in quarantine, his client would be granted release into home confinement because of the virus risks.On Thursday night, Mr. Cohen’s lawyer, Roger B. Adler, said that, after two weeks in quarantine, his client would be granted release into home confinement because of the virus risks.
Prosecutors declined to comment on the agency’s decision to let Mr. Cohen serve his sentence at his home in Manhattan, which was reported on Thursday by CNN.Prosecutors declined to comment on the agency’s decision to let Mr. Cohen serve his sentence at his home in Manhattan, which was reported on Thursday by CNN.
Lawyers for at least six other inmates in the Otisville camp said their clients also had been informed they would be furloughed to lessen the possibility of their contracting the virus. Some were told they would finish their sentences in home confinement. Others were told they were being furloughed to home confinement, meaning they might be required to return to the prison camp.Lawyers for at least six other inmates in the Otisville camp said their clients also had been informed they would be furloughed to lessen the possibility of their contracting the virus. Some were told they would finish their sentences in home confinement. Others were told they were being furloughed to home confinement, meaning they might be required to return to the prison camp.
One defense lawyer, Steve Zissou, said his client was informed that “the entire camp was told last night to ‘pack up — we’re shutting down the camp.’”One defense lawyer, Steve Zissou, said his client was informed that “the entire camp was told last night to ‘pack up — we’re shutting down the camp.’”
Mr. Taylor, the prisons spokesman, on Friday morning denied that the site was being shuttered. “It is not true that the camp is closing, nor is it true that all the inmates at the camp are being moved out,” he said.Mr. Taylor, the prisons spokesman, on Friday morning denied that the site was being shuttered. “It is not true that the camp is closing, nor is it true that all the inmates at the camp are being moved out,” he said.
Defense lawyers said Mr. Cohen and the other inmates were told they would be held in quarantine at Otisville’s medium-security prison for 14 days to ensure they do not have the virus before being sent to their homes.Defense lawyers said Mr. Cohen and the other inmates were told they would be held in quarantine at Otisville’s medium-security prison for 14 days to ensure they do not have the virus before being sent to their homes.
Updated June 16, 2020 Updated June 22, 2020
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 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.
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.
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.
On Friday afternoon, a Bureau of Prisons spokeswoman, Susan Allison, acknowledged that the camp inmates were being moved to the medium-security prison and would be screened for eligibility for home confinement. She said all were being preemptively quarantined in case they qualify.On Friday afternoon, a Bureau of Prisons spokeswoman, Susan Allison, acknowledged that the camp inmates were being moved to the medium-security prison and would be screened for eligibility for home confinement. She said all were being preemptively quarantined in case they qualify.
Last month, Judge William H. Pauley III of Federal District Court in Manhattan rejected a request by Mr. Cohen for release on grounds of his health and the risk of exposure to the coronavirus in prison. Mr. Cohen’s projected release date was November 2021, according to the prison agency’s website.Last month, Judge William H. Pauley III of Federal District Court in Manhattan rejected a request by Mr. Cohen for release on grounds of his health and the risk of exposure to the coronavirus in prison. Mr. Cohen’s projected release date was November 2021, according to the prison agency’s website.
In a letter to the court, Mr. Adler had argued that “Mr. Cohen has had two hospitalizations, and a pre-existing condition of pulmonary issues” and that a “sentence of 36 months should not end up being a capital crime depriving my client of his life.”In a letter to the court, Mr. Adler had argued that “Mr. Cohen has had two hospitalizations, and a pre-existing condition of pulmonary issues” and that a “sentence of 36 months should not end up being a capital crime depriving my client of his life.”
The United States attorney’s office in Manhattan opposed Mr. Cohen’s request, arguing that the Bureau of Prisons had made “significant efforts to prepare to respond, should there in fact be any cases of Covid-19 at the facility where Cohen is housed.”The United States attorney’s office in Manhattan opposed Mr. Cohen’s request, arguing that the Bureau of Prisons had made “significant efforts to prepare to respond, should there in fact be any cases of Covid-19 at the facility where Cohen is housed.”
Judge Pauley, on March 24, in denying Mr. Cohen’s request, wrote, “That Cohen would seek to single himself out for release to home confinement appears to be just another effort to inject himself into the news cycle.”Judge Pauley, on March 24, in denying Mr. Cohen’s request, wrote, “That Cohen would seek to single himself out for release to home confinement appears to be just another effort to inject himself into the news cycle.”
Mr. Adler said Mr. Cohen’s release was granted after a direct request was made to the agency. “I salute the compassion of the Bureau of Prisons,” Mr. Adler said on Thursday.Mr. Adler said Mr. Cohen’s release was granted after a direct request was made to the agency. “I salute the compassion of the Bureau of Prisons,” Mr. Adler said on Thursday.
Michael Levenson and Katie Benner contributed reporting.Michael Levenson and Katie Benner contributed reporting.