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Coronavirus in N.Y.C.: Latest Updates Coronavirus in N.Y.C.: Latest Updates
(3 days later)
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It’s Tuesday.It’s Tuesday.
Weather: Afternoon thunderstorms with strong gusts. High around 60.Weather: Afternoon thunderstorms with strong gusts. High around 60.
Alternate-side parking: Suspended through April 28. Meters are in effect.Alternate-side parking: Suspended through April 28. Meters are in effect.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Monday that an additional 478 people had died of the coronavirus in New York State, the lowest single-day toll in more than two weeks.Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Monday that an additional 478 people had died of the coronavirus in New York State, the lowest single-day toll in more than two weeks.
After saying in recent days that the outbreak appeared to have reached or passed a peak in the state, Mr. Cuomo said the authorities were now trying to ascertain how gradual the decrease in infection might be in the weeks to come.After saying in recent days that the outbreak appeared to have reached or passed a peak in the state, Mr. Cuomo said the authorities were now trying to ascertain how gradual the decrease in infection might be in the weeks to come.
“The question is, how long is the descent, and how steep is the descent?” he said. “Nobody knows. Just as nobody knew how long the ascent was, nobody can tell you how long the descent is.”“The question is, how long is the descent, and how steep is the descent?” he said. “Nobody knows. Just as nobody knew how long the ascent was, nobody can tell you how long the descent is.”
The governor’s office confirmed that Mr. Cuomo was scheduled to meet with President Trump at the White House on Tuesday. Among the things they were expected to discuss were virus testing and the country’s capacity for conducting such testing.The governor’s office confirmed that Mr. Cuomo was scheduled to meet with President Trump at the White House on Tuesday. Among the things they were expected to discuss were virus testing and the country’s capacity for conducting such testing.
[Get the latest news and updates on the coronavirus in the New York region.][Get the latest news and updates on the coronavirus in the New York region.]
New York’s largest nurses’ union, in three lawsuits filed on Monday, accused the state Health Department and two hospital systems of failing to equip its members with adequate protective gear and of exposing them to unsafe working conditions amid the coronavirus outbreak.New York’s largest nurses’ union, in three lawsuits filed on Monday, accused the state Health Department and two hospital systems of failing to equip its members with adequate protective gear and of exposing them to unsafe working conditions amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The lawsuits, filed in state and federal court in New York, were one of the largest collective legal actions taken against hospitals since the pandemic began. In addition to the state Health Department, the defendants were Montefiore Medical Center and Westchester Medical Center.The lawsuits, filed in state and federal court in New York, were one of the largest collective legal actions taken against hospitals since the pandemic began. In addition to the state Health Department, the defendants were Montefiore Medical Center and Westchester Medical Center.
The union, the New York State Nurses Association, said that at least eight nurses had died in New York State after contracting the virus at work, and at least 84 had been hospitalized. The union has more than 42,000 members.The union, the New York State Nurses Association, said that at least eight nurses had died in New York State after contracting the virus at work, and at least 84 had been hospitalized. The union has more than 42,000 members.
In court papers, nurses described receiving one N95 mask to use for a week and being denied virus testing at their own hospitals. Some nurses who tested positive for the virus were required to return to work after seven days, half the 14-day quarantine period recommended by health officials, the union said.In court papers, nurses described receiving one N95 mask to use for a week and being denied virus testing at their own hospitals. Some nurses who tested positive for the virus were required to return to work after seven days, half the 14-day quarantine period recommended by health officials, the union said.
[Coronavirus in New York: A map and the case count.][Coronavirus in New York: A map and the case count.]
Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Monday that there were 3,485 medical-emergency calls to 911 on Saturday, many fewer than on an average day in 2019, before the coronavirus outbreak began.Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Monday that there were 3,485 medical-emergency calls to 911 on Saturday, many fewer than on an average day in 2019, before the coronavirus outbreak began.
Calls have fallen more than 50 percent since a peak in late March, when there were more than 7,000 calls in a single day, more than on Sept. 11, 2001.Calls have fallen more than 50 percent since a peak in late March, when there were more than 7,000 calls in a single day, more than on Sept. 11, 2001.
But with the city reporting 363 new deaths on Sunday, Mr. de Blasio warned that it was far too soon to lift lockdown restrictions on business and public life in New York.But with the city reporting 363 new deaths on Sunday, Mr. de Blasio warned that it was far too soon to lift lockdown restrictions on business and public life in New York.
In that vein, he announced that all large gatherings and events for June, including the Puerto Rican Day Parade and the Pride March, had been canceled. The two events draw millions of people to the city’s streets each summer.In that vein, he announced that all large gatherings and events for June, including the Puerto Rican Day Parade and the Pride March, had been canceled. The two events draw millions of people to the city’s streets each summer.
Fear of ‘Covid Hospitals’ Leads Women to Pursue Home BirthsFear of ‘Covid Hospitals’ Leads Women to Pursue Home Births
Coogan’s Is Closing. This Is the New York That We’re LosingCoogan’s Is Closing. This Is the New York That We’re Losing
‘I Don’t Think the New York That We Left Will Be Back for Some Years’‘I Don’t Think the New York That We Left Will Be Back for Some Years’
Two E.R. Workers Worry: If They Died, Who’d Take Care of Their Son?Two E.R. Workers Worry: If They Died, Who’d Take Care of Their Son?
Want more news? Check out our full coverage.Want more news? Check out our full coverage.
The Mini Crossword: Here is today’s puzzle.The Mini Crossword: Here is today’s puzzle.
NYCHA staff and residents are set to receive shipments of hand sanitizer, free of charge. [The City]NYCHA staff and residents are set to receive shipments of hand sanitizer, free of charge. [The City]
Amazon has implemented temperature checks at its fulfillment centers on Staten Island. [Staten Island Live]Amazon has implemented temperature checks at its fulfillment centers on Staten Island. [Staten Island Live]
Gas prices in the New York region have dropped below $2 a gallon. [NBC New York]Gas prices in the New York region have dropped below $2 a gallon. [NBC New York]
The Times’s Michael Paulson writes:The Times’s Michael Paulson writes:
Free Shakespeare in the Park, a treasured rite of summer in New York, will not take place this year because of the pandemic.Free Shakespeare in the Park, a treasured rite of summer in New York, will not take place this year because of the pandemic.
The annual festival — founded and run by the Public Theater, and staged as the sun sets in an open-air amphitheater surrounded by trees — is just too big to pull together at a time when no one knows when large gatherings will be permitted again.The annual festival — founded and run by the Public Theater, and staged as the sun sets in an open-air amphitheater surrounded by trees — is just too big to pull together at a time when no one knows when large gatherings will be permitted again.
Shakespeare in the Park has been performed for free at Central Park’s Delacorte Theater since 1962. It was to include two shows this season: a new production of “Richard II,” directed by Saheem Ali; followed by a musical adaptation of “As You Like It,” directed by Laurie Woolery.Shakespeare in the Park has been performed for free at Central Park’s Delacorte Theater since 1962. It was to include two shows this season: a new production of “Richard II,” directed by Saheem Ali; followed by a musical adaptation of “As You Like It,” directed by Laurie Woolery.
But the Public does have several digital initiatives, including a collaboration with regional theaters to commission mini-plays that anyone can read aloud at home; a weekly online Shakespeare challenge; streams of Joe’s Pub performances; and an opportunity to watch the Pulitzer-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks at work.But the Public does have several digital initiatives, including a collaboration with regional theaters to commission mini-plays that anyone can read aloud at home; a weekly online Shakespeare challenge; streams of Joe’s Pub performances; and an opportunity to watch the Pulitzer-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks at work.
Updated June 2, 2020 Updated June 5, 2020
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.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.
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.
It’s Tuesday — all the world’s a stage.It’s Tuesday — all the world’s a stage.
Dear Diary:Dear Diary:
I moved into an apartment and inherited an ugly mustard-color mohair couch that the roommate who had lived there before me left behind. I hated it.I moved into an apartment and inherited an ugly mustard-color mohair couch that the roommate who had lived there before me left behind. I hated it.
Some years later, curious about a noise in the hallway of my fourth-floor walk-up, I opened the door to find two delivery men trying to maneuver my neighbors’ old sleeper sofa toward the stairs.Some years later, curious about a noise in the hallway of my fourth-floor walk-up, I opened the door to find two delivery men trying to maneuver my neighbors’ old sleeper sofa toward the stairs.
My neighbors, it turned out, had bought a new couch. My boyfriend and I asked if we could buy the old one.My neighbors, it turned out, had bought a new couch. My boyfriend and I asked if we could buy the old one.
Sure, my neighbors said, for $15 — the amount of the tip the delivery men were going to get for taking the couch downstairs. For that sum, they would take mine to the curb instead.Sure, my neighbors said, for $15 — the amount of the tip the delivery men were going to get for taking the couch downstairs. For that sum, they would take mine to the curb instead.
The delivery men suggested I put a sign on my couch saying it was for sale and that anyone interested should ring my apartment.The delivery men suggested I put a sign on my couch saying it was for sale and that anyone interested should ring my apartment.
That’s what we did. And five minutes later, the doorbell rang. It was a mother and her son who were looking for a couch to buy.That’s what we did. And five minutes later, the doorbell rang. It was a mother and her son who were looking for a couch to buy.
They paid us $15, and the ugly couch was happily walked down the street to a new home.They paid us $15, and the ugly couch was happily walked down the street to a new home.
— Mindy Hermann— Mindy Hermann
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