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De Blasio Pleads With Trump for Funding to Alleviate Virus Damage De Blasio Pleads With Trump for Funding to Alleviate Virus Damage
(32 minutes 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.]
Mayor Bill de Blasio on Sunday continued to call on President Trump to direct desperately-needed federal funding to American cities, and to criticize the president’s silence on the matter.Mayor Bill de Blasio on Sunday continued to call on President Trump to direct desperately-needed federal funding to American cities, and to criticize the president’s silence on the matter.
“President Trump, what’s going on? Cat got your tongue?” Mr. de Blasio said during his daily press briefing. “You’re usually really talkative. You usually have an opinion on everything. How on earth do you not have an opinion on aid to American cities and states?”“President Trump, what’s going on? Cat got your tongue?” Mr. de Blasio said during his daily press briefing. “You’re usually really talkative. You usually have an opinion on everything. How on earth do you not have an opinion on aid to American cities and states?”
He compared President Trump’s lack of response to the financial shortfall facing New York City in particular to President Gerald Ford’s dismissal of the city during the fiscal crisis of the 1970s.He compared President Trump’s lack of response to the financial shortfall facing New York City in particular to President Gerald Ford’s dismissal of the city during the fiscal crisis of the 1970s.
The mayor announced earlier in the week that New York City would have to slash more than $2 billion in municipal services over the next year.The mayor announced earlier in the week that New York City would have to slash more than $2 billion in municipal services over the next year.
“There was that famous Daily News cover that said ‘Ford to City: Drop Dead,’” Mr. de Blasio said. “So my question is, Mr. Trump, Mr. President, are you going to save New York City or are you telling New York City to drop dead? Which one is it?”“There was that famous Daily News cover that said ‘Ford to City: Drop Dead,’” Mr. de Blasio said. “So my question is, Mr. Trump, Mr. President, are you going to save New York City or are you telling New York City to drop dead? Which one is it?”
“You are failing to protect the very people you grew up around,” Mr. de Blasio added.“You are failing to protect the very people you grew up around,” Mr. de Blasio added.
The Daily News cover that Mr. de Blasio referenced was printed in response to a speech given by President Ford in October 1975, in which he said he would veto any federal bill that would prevent New York City from bankruptcy.The Daily News cover that Mr. de Blasio referenced was printed in response to a speech given by President Ford in October 1975, in which he said he would veto any federal bill that would prevent New York City from bankruptcy.
Mr. de Blasio’s statements on Sunday represented a significant heightening of his rhetoric even as he continued to call on the president to personally intercede in making sure that all American cities received the federal funding they so badly needed.Mr. de Blasio’s statements on Sunday represented a significant heightening of his rhetoric even as he continued to call on the president to personally intercede in making sure that all American cities received the federal funding they so badly needed.
At his briefing on Sunday evening, Mr. Trump was not asked about Mr. de Blasio’s comments directly but was asked if the latest federal stimulus package would include funding for states and local governments.At his briefing on Sunday evening, Mr. Trump was not asked about Mr. de Blasio’s comments directly but was asked if the latest federal stimulus package would include funding for states and local governments.
Mr. Trump said that he was in favor of sending federal funds to buoy localities, but that such assistance was not likely to be included in the coming measure.Mr. Trump said that he was in favor of sending federal funds to buoy localities, but that such assistance was not likely to be included in the coming measure.
“State and local governments need it,” he said. “I’m the first one to admit that.”“State and local governments need it,” he said. “I’m the first one to admit that.”
The president did not say specifically when such funds might be made available, but said, “that’ll be a very big topic over the next couple of weeks.”The president did not say specifically when such funds might be made available, but said, “that’ll be a very big topic over the next couple of weeks.”
“The president has literally walked away from his obligation and has nothing to say — including in that press conference,” Mr. de Blasio said in an interview on MSNBC Sunday night, saying that the president had ignored the issue entirely.“The president has literally walked away from his obligation and has nothing to say — including in that press conference,” Mr. de Blasio said in an interview on MSNBC Sunday night, saying that the president had ignored the issue entirely.
He also accused the president of “simply lying” about the availability of the components needed to conduct tests.He also accused the president of “simply lying” about the availability of the components needed to conduct tests.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York said Sunday that data indicated that New York was “past the high point” of the coronavirus outbreak.Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York said Sunday that data indicated that New York was “past the high point” of the coronavirus outbreak.
“If this trend holds, we are past the high point, and all indications at this point are that we are on a descent,” he said, adding, “We are on the other side of the plateau and the numbers are coming down.”“If this trend holds, we are past the high point, and all indications at this point are that we are on a descent,” he said, adding, “We are on the other side of the plateau and the numbers are coming down.”
The governor asked that New Yorkers remain vigilant, stressing that 1,300 people had been hospitalized for the virus the previous day.The governor asked that New Yorkers remain vigilant, stressing that 1,300 people had been hospitalized for the virus the previous day.
“Don’t get cocky,” he said. “Don’t get arrogant. This virus has been ahead of us every step of the way. This is only halftime in this entire situation.”“Don’t get cocky,” he said. “Don’t get arrogant. This virus has been ahead of us every step of the way. This is only halftime in this entire situation.”
More updates from the governor’s Sunday briefing:More updates from the governor’s Sunday briefing:
Mr. Cuomo said that 507 more people had died in the state, bringing the total killed by the virus to 13,869 on Sunday. Just six days ago, the number of dead reported was close to 800, but it has not exceeded 650 since April 14.Mr. Cuomo said that 507 more people had died in the state, bringing the total killed by the virus to 13,869 on Sunday. Just six days ago, the number of dead reported was close to 800, but it has not exceeded 650 since April 14.
Thirty-three of those 507 died in nursing homes, Mr. Cuomo said. He emphasized that deaths in nursing homes remained a top concern for the state.Thirty-three of those 507 died in nursing homes, Mr. Cuomo said. He emphasized that deaths in nursing homes remained a top concern for the state.
The number of total hospitalizations for the virus was 16,213, down from 16,967 the previous day.The number of total hospitalizations for the virus was 16,213, down from 16,967 the previous day.
The number of intubations and new hospitalizations were both down significantly.The number of intubations and new hospitalizations were both down significantly.
Mr. Cuomo said that antibody testing would be key in guiding the reopening of the state because finding the number of people who had developed antibodies to the virus would help authorities understand the full extent of its spread.Mr. Cuomo said that antibody testing would be key in guiding the reopening of the state because finding the number of people who had developed antibodies to the virus would help authorities understand the full extent of its spread.
“That will tell us for the first time what percent of the population actually has had the coronavirus and is now — at least short term — immune to the virus,” Mr. Cuomo said. “This will be the first true snapshot of what we’re really dealing with.“That will tell us for the first time what percent of the population actually has had the coronavirus and is now — at least short term — immune to the virus,” Mr. Cuomo said. “This will be the first true snapshot of what we’re really dealing with.
Mr. Cuomo said that the antibody testing would start this week and would be run by the state’s department of health. It will be conducted randomly, because the state does not have the capacity to widely test its population of 19 million people.Mr. Cuomo said that the antibody testing would start this week and would be run by the state’s department of health. It will be conducted randomly, because the state does not have the capacity to widely test its population of 19 million people.
Michael Dowling, the chief executive of the health care network Northwell Health, said that the network had already started that testing and that it hoped to build to 10,000 tests by the end of the week.Michael Dowling, the chief executive of the health care network Northwell Health, said that the network had already started that testing and that it hoped to build to 10,000 tests by the end of the week.
But scientists and public health officials have raised alarms about the quality of available antibody tests and have criticized the federal government for approving the tests without sufficient scrutiny.But scientists and public health officials have raised alarms about the quality of available antibody tests and have criticized the federal government for approving the tests without sufficient scrutiny.
On Sunday, the number of total coronavirus cases in New Jersey rose to 85,301, with 3,915 new cases reported.On Sunday, the number of total coronavirus cases in New Jersey rose to 85,301, with 3,915 new cases reported.
Gov. Philip D. Murphy said on Twitter that another 132 people had died in the state, the lowest single-day number reported since April 13. The total number of people killed by the coronavirus in New Jersey is now 4,202.Gov. Philip D. Murphy said on Twitter that another 132 people had died in the state, the lowest single-day number reported since April 13. The total number of people killed by the coronavirus in New Jersey is now 4,202.
President Trump on Sunday evening thanked Mr. Cuomo, saying that their partnership had been effective and that it was good that New York had been prepared in extending its hospital capacity.President Trump on Sunday evening thanked Mr. Cuomo, saying that their partnership had been effective and that it was good that New York had been prepared in extending its hospital capacity.
“We built a little bit more than we needed, that’s good,” the president said. “As opposed to building a little bit less, that’s not good.”“We built a little bit more than we needed, that’s good,” the president said. “As opposed to building a little bit less, that’s not good.”
Mr. Trump played a two-minute clip from Mr. Cuomo’s Sunday news conference in which the governor praised the coordination between federal and state governments in response to the outbreak.Mr. Trump played a two-minute clip from Mr. Cuomo’s Sunday news conference in which the governor praised the coordination between federal and state governments in response to the outbreak.
Mr. Cuomo in the clip referred to “heroic efforts” that slowed the rate of the virus’s spread, which he chalked up to work done by various people, “as facilitated by government, federal and state.”Mr. Cuomo in the clip referred to “heroic efforts” that slowed the rate of the virus’s spread, which he chalked up to work done by various people, “as facilitated by government, federal and state.”
Mr. Trump said he liked the remarks by the governor — whom he repeatedly referred to by his first name — because it was “bipartisan.”Mr. Trump said he liked the remarks by the governor — whom he repeatedly referred to by his first name — because it was “bipartisan.”
The two leaders have alternately criticized and praised one another throughout the crisis.The two leaders have alternately criticized and praised one another throughout the crisis.
Mr. Cuomo last week took the president to task after Mr. Trump said that he had “total” authority over governors’ response to the virus. The governor later said that he did not want to fight with Mr. Trump.Mr. Cuomo last week took the president to task after Mr. Trump said that he had “total” authority over governors’ response to the virus. The governor later said that he did not want to fight with Mr. Trump.
On Friday, Mr. Cuomo described the confused approach in which the federal and state governments were duplicating each other’s efforts to procure medical supples, as “mayhem.”On Friday, Mr. Cuomo described the confused approach in which the federal and state governments were duplicating each other’s efforts to procure medical supples, as “mayhem.”
The nursing home, Andover Subacute and Rehabilitation Center II in Andover, N.J., which has 543 beds, was chronically short of staff and masks, and over the last two years it had received poor grades from federal and state inspectors. Residents were crowded three to a room, and as the outbreak worsened, so did sanitary conditions.The nursing home, Andover Subacute and Rehabilitation Center II in Andover, N.J., which has 543 beds, was chronically short of staff and masks, and over the last two years it had received poor grades from federal and state inspectors. Residents were crowded three to a room, and as the outbreak worsened, so did sanitary conditions.
Workers said they hurriedly made their rounds, dispensing medicine, changing bedsheets, feeding those who could not feed themselves and doing other tasks that brought them into close contact with residents.Workers said they hurriedly made their rounds, dispensing medicine, changing bedsheets, feeding those who could not feed themselves and doing other tasks that brought them into close contact with residents.
By last week, employees were pleading for help from the government and for donations of personal protective equipment in Facebook posts. But it was too late.By last week, employees were pleading for help from the government and for donations of personal protective equipment in Facebook posts. But it was too late.
After receiving a tip last Monday, the police found 17 bodies in bags in a small holding room at the facility.After receiving a tip last Monday, the police found 17 bodies in bags in a small holding room at the facility.
Updated July 21, 2020 Updated July 23, 2020
The startling discovery illustrated the toll that the coronavirus outbreak has taken on the nation’s nursing homes and other congregate facilities that house society’s most vulnerable, including older people and those with mental and physical disabilities.The startling discovery illustrated the toll that the coronavirus outbreak has taken on the nation’s nursing homes and other congregate facilities that house society’s most vulnerable, including older people and those with mental and physical disabilities.
By Sunday, at least 70 Andover residents had died and dozens of the 420 remaining residents and staff members had either tested positive for the virus or were sick with fevers, coughs or both, according to county officials.By Sunday, at least 70 Andover residents had died and dozens of the 420 remaining residents and staff members had either tested positive for the virus or were sick with fevers, coughs or both, according to county officials.
More than 1,400 volunteer medical staff have been dispatched to the city’s hospitals and nursing homes to give front line health care workers some relief, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Sunday.More than 1,400 volunteer medical staff have been dispatched to the city’s hospitals and nursing homes to give front line health care workers some relief, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Sunday.
Mr. de Blasio said during his daily press briefing that the volunteers, who came from New York and around the country, would be paid, but that they had volunteered to step in at some of the city’s hardest hit locations.Mr. de Blasio said during his daily press briefing that the volunteers, who came from New York and around the country, would be paid, but that they had volunteered to step in at some of the city’s hardest hit locations.
“They’re volunteering to go into those emergency rooms and I.C.U.s,” he said. “They’re choosing to do it because they want to save lives and protect people.”“They’re volunteering to go into those emergency rooms and I.C.U.s,” he said. “They’re choosing to do it because they want to save lives and protect people.”
Mr. de Blasio said that the city has added additional staff to 311 after reports that individuals who called the public assistance line to receive food had not been helped.Mr. de Blasio said that the city has added additional staff to 311 after reports that individuals who called the public assistance line to receive food had not been helped.
The mayor also said that the New York police would step up enforcement of social distancing orders, pledging that violators would receive $1,000 fines.The mayor also said that the New York police would step up enforcement of social distancing orders, pledging that violators would receive $1,000 fines.
The mayor has been using three indicators to track the city’s progress against the virus: hospital admissions of suspected coronavirus patients, I.C.U. admissions of suspected coronavirus patients and percentage of people testing positive.The mayor has been using three indicators to track the city’s progress against the virus: hospital admissions of suspected coronavirus patients, I.C.U. admissions of suspected coronavirus patients and percentage of people testing positive.
On Sunday, he reported that he number of people hospitalized for the virus in the city had increased, but that admissions to the I.C.U. decreased and the percentage of people who tested positive had decreased.On Sunday, he reported that he number of people hospitalized for the virus in the city had increased, but that admissions to the I.C.U. decreased and the percentage of people who tested positive had decreased.
Dr. Oxiris Barbot, the commissioner of the city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, said that daily fluctuations in those measures was to be expected but that, broadly, they were moving in the right direction.Dr. Oxiris Barbot, the commissioner of the city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, said that daily fluctuations in those measures was to be expected but that, broadly, they were moving in the right direction.
But Dr. Barbot added that it was “too early to declare whether it’s a plateau or whether we’re seeing sustained reduction.”But Dr. Barbot added that it was “too early to declare whether it’s a plateau or whether we’re seeing sustained reduction.”
Visitors to the western end of Fire Island are greeted by a large sign telling them to “Stop, turn around, go back.”Visitors to the western end of Fire Island are greeted by a large sign telling them to “Stop, turn around, go back.”
In bold, red letters, the sign proclaims that the island’s residential areas are “closed to visitors” and that it has “No restrooms, no open business, no medical facility.”In bold, red letters, the sign proclaims that the island’s residential areas are “closed to visitors” and that it has “No restrooms, no open business, no medical facility.”
In fact, visiting Fire Island is not banned — a resident put up the unofficial sign — but it is strongly discouraged by local officials who fear that outsiders might bring the coronavirus to this 32 mile-long barrier island east of New York City, accessible mainly by ferry from mainland Long Island.In fact, visiting Fire Island is not banned — a resident put up the unofficial sign — but it is strongly discouraged by local officials who fear that outsiders might bring the coronavirus to this 32 mile-long barrier island east of New York City, accessible mainly by ferry from mainland Long Island.
Like many summer vacation areas, the region’s island communities have looked with trepidation at the encroaching virus and the visitors who might be carrying it with them. But the islands have been especially adamant about avoiding possible exposure from newcomers; the isolation that makes them so charming also makes them terrible places to fall ill.Like many summer vacation areas, the region’s island communities have looked with trepidation at the encroaching virus and the visitors who might be carrying it with them. But the islands have been especially adamant about avoiding possible exposure from newcomers; the isolation that makes them so charming also makes them terrible places to fall ill.
Though their county, Suffolk, has become a virus hot spot, Fire Island, Shelter Island, Fishers Island each have had few or no documented cases. The same goes for Block Island, just beyond New York waters in Rhode Island.Though their county, Suffolk, has become a virus hot spot, Fire Island, Shelter Island, Fishers Island each have had few or no documented cases. The same goes for Block Island, just beyond New York waters in Rhode Island.
And the islands, of course, want to keep it that way, fearful that an outbreak that would overwhelm their bare-bones, off-season medical and emergency rescue services.And the islands, of course, want to keep it that way, fearful that an outbreak that would overwhelm their bare-bones, off-season medical and emergency rescue services.
Fishers Island, Shelter Island and Block Island each have one full-time doctor covering the island. Fire Island has no such setup.Fishers Island, Shelter Island and Block Island each have one full-time doctor covering the island. Fire Island has no such setup.
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 Jonah Engel Bromwich, Melina Delkic, Robert Gebeloff, Matthew Goldstein, Corey Kilgannon, Alyson Krueger, Azi Paybarah,Brian M. Rosenthal, Edgar Sandoval, Tracey Tully and Katie Van Syckle.Reporting was contributed by Jonah Engel Bromwich, Melina Delkic, Robert Gebeloff, Matthew Goldstein, Corey Kilgannon, Alyson Krueger, Azi Paybarah,Brian M. Rosenthal, Edgar Sandoval, Tracey Tully and Katie Van Syckle.