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Trump Says He’ll Help N.Y. Double Its Testing Trump Says He’ll Help N.Y. Double Its Testing
(4 days later)
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It’s Wednesday.It’s Wednesday.
Weather: A frigid morning starts off a blustery day with some sun and a high in the low 50s.Weather: A frigid morning starts off a blustery day with some sun and a high in the low 50s.
Alternate-side parking: Suspended through Tuesday. Meters are in effect.Alternate-side parking: Suspended through Tuesday. Meters are in effect.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo met with President Trump at the White House on Tuesday, describing the conversation afterward as a “productive” step toward helping New York increase its ability to test for the coronavirus and, eventually, to restart its economy.Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo met with President Trump at the White House on Tuesday, describing the conversation afterward as a “productive” step toward helping New York increase its ability to test for the coronavirus and, eventually, to restart its economy.
The governor said the two men, whose relations during the virus outbreak have swung from antagonistic to conciliatory and back, discussed the role the federal government could play in increasing testing capacity, and whether more stimulus money could be made available to New York and other financially battered states.The governor said the two men, whose relations during the virus outbreak have swung from antagonistic to conciliatory and back, discussed the role the federal government could play in increasing testing capacity, and whether more stimulus money could be made available to New York and other financially battered states.
Mr. Trump was supportive on both fronts, Mr. Cuomo said.Mr. Trump was supportive on both fronts, Mr. Cuomo said.
“The meeting went well and I think it was productive,” the governor said during a telephone interview on MSNBC. “The big issue was testing.”“The meeting went well and I think it was productive,” the governor said during a telephone interview on MSNBC. “The big issue was testing.”
At a news conference, Mr. Cuomo said the president had committed to helping New York State double its capacity for both the coronavirus and the antibody tests to 40,000 a day. He did not specify when the state would achieve that goal.At a news conference, Mr. Cuomo said the president had committed to helping New York State double its capacity for both the coronavirus and the antibody tests to 40,000 a day. He did not specify when the state would achieve that goal.
“It will take several weeks at best,” Mr. Cuomo said. “This is an enormous undertaking.”“It will take several weeks at best,” Mr. Cuomo said. “This is an enormous undertaking.”
The governor noted that it had taken the state about a month to get to where it could do 20,000 tests day, which he called the “current system at maximum.” He and other governors have said that increasing testing capacity was critical to lifting lockdown restrictions that have brought many aspects of life to a halt.The governor noted that it had taken the state about a month to get to where it could do 20,000 tests day, which he called the “current system at maximum.” He and other governors have said that increasing testing capacity was critical to lifting lockdown restrictions that have brought many aspects of life to a halt.
[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.]
The daily number of coronavirus deaths in New York increased very slightly, Mr. Cuomo said on Tuesday, with 481 people dying of the virus a day after 478 deaths were reported. There have now been 14,828 virus-related deaths in the state.The daily number of coronavirus deaths in New York increased very slightly, Mr. Cuomo said on Tuesday, with 481 people dying of the virus a day after 478 deaths were reported. There have now been 14,828 virus-related deaths in the state.
Other measures of the virus’s spread in the state were also flat or falling, Mr. Cuomo said.Other measures of the virus’s spread in the state were also flat or falling, Mr. Cuomo said.
The number of hospitalized patients fell for the eighth day in a row, and the number who were newly admitted was the lowest in more than three weeks.The number of hospitalized patients fell for the eighth day in a row, and the number who were newly admitted was the lowest in more than three weeks.
The number of intubated virus patients — the most seriously ill people — fell by 127, the steepest one-day drop to date, and is now below 4,000.The number of intubated virus patients — the most seriously ill people — fell by 127, the steepest one-day drop to date, and is now below 4,000.
[Coronavirus in New York: A map and the case count.][Coronavirus in New York: A map and the case count.]
The coronavirus is the official cause of death for 9,562 people in New York City, according to figures released by the city’s health department on Tuesday.The coronavirus is the official cause of death for 9,562 people in New York City, according to figures released by the city’s health department on Tuesday.
It was considered the “probable” cause of death for another 4,865 people who died without being tested for the virus.It was considered the “probable” cause of death for another 4,865 people who died without being tested for the virus.
But public health experts said there were many more deaths that might be indirectly attributable to the virus: people who died because they were not able to get adequate health care from a system overwhelmed by virus patients.But public health experts said there were many more deaths that might be indirectly attributable to the virus: people who died because they were not able to get adequate health care from a system overwhelmed by virus patients.
The number of these collateral deaths could be as high as 4,000, according to an analysis by The New York Times.The number of these collateral deaths could be as high as 4,000, according to an analysis by The New York Times.
The analysis, by the data reporters Jin Wu and Allison McCann, compared the number of people who died in New York City from March 11 to April 18 with the number who would normally have been expected to die during such a span.The analysis, by the data reporters Jin Wu and Allison McCann, compared the number of people who died in New York City from March 11 to April 18 with the number who would normally have been expected to die during such a span.
People died in New York City during that time at about four times the normal rate, the analysis found.People died in New York City during that time at about four times the normal rate, the analysis found.
‘Plague on a Biblical Scale’: Hasidic Families Hit Hard by Virus‘Plague on a Biblical Scale’: Hasidic Families Hit Hard by Virus
Online School Demands More of Teachers. Unions Are Pushing Back.Online School Demands More of Teachers. Unions Are Pushing Back.
The Mortuary Science Professor Who Came ‘Out of Nowhere’ to Help N.Y.C.The Mortuary Science Professor Who Came ‘Out of Nowhere’ to Help N.Y.C.
‘This Is Crazy’: 6 Kids, 1 Dog and a Mom With Covid-19‘This Is Crazy’: 6 Kids, 1 Dog and a Mom With Covid-19
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.
Some New York City Council members are questioning whether any official actions taken during remote meetings will hold up in court. [New York Post]Some New York City Council members are questioning whether any official actions taken during remote meetings will hold up in court. [New York Post]
The police raided a marijuana party of more than 40 people. [NBC New York]The police raided a marijuana party of more than 40 people. [NBC New York]
The Brooklyn landlord who canceled rent for tenants appeared on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and received a $25,000 donation in his name to a local soup kitchen. [Greenpointers]The Brooklyn landlord who canceled rent for tenants appeared on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and received a $25,000 donation in his name to a local soup kitchen. [Greenpointers]
The Times’s Laurel Graeber writes:The Times’s Laurel Graeber writes:
It seems hard to celebrate the natural world when you’re sheltering in place. But even though many Earth Day events have been canceled, several New York institutions are honoring the holiday’s 50th anniversary online.It seems hard to celebrate the natural world when you’re sheltering in place. But even though many Earth Day events have been canceled, several New York institutions are honoring the holiday’s 50th anniversary online.
Updated June 5, 2020Updated June 5, 2020
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.
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.)
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.
These virtual festivities are free. Below are three highlights; find more possibilities here.These virtual festivities are free. Below are three highlights; find more possibilities here.
The American Museum of Natural History has a festival that starts this morning with family workshops in botany and glacial physics. It also includes a virtual flight to Venus and to Mars that explores the solar system’s “Goldilocks zone” and what those planets teach us about climate change.The American Museum of Natural History has a festival that starts this morning with family workshops in botany and glacial physics. It also includes a virtual flight to Venus and to Mars that explores the solar system’s “Goldilocks zone” and what those planets teach us about climate change.
The Staten Island Museum promises an interactive science fair: On Saturday, more than 20 instructional videos will go online and remain there indefinitely. Some teach practical environmental skills, like maintaining a worm compost bin or building rain barrels, while others offer more esoteric fare, like making ink with black walnuts.The Staten Island Museum promises an interactive science fair: On Saturday, more than 20 instructional videos will go online and remain there indefinitely. Some teach practical environmental skills, like maintaining a worm compost bin or building rain barrels, while others offer more esoteric fare, like making ink with black walnuts.
The Prospect Park Alliance’s Earth Day webpage will provide instructions for at-home activities like making paper and growing a grocery garden from food scraps. Or register for The Trees of Prospect Park, a virtual journey: Today at 11 a.m., the forest ecologist Howard Goldstein will introduce sites including the Lullwater Cove and the Butterfly Meadow, and species like the Northern red oak and sweet birch.The Prospect Park Alliance’s Earth Day webpage will provide instructions for at-home activities like making paper and growing a grocery garden from food scraps. Or register for The Trees of Prospect Park, a virtual journey: Today at 11 a.m., the forest ecologist Howard Goldstein will introduce sites including the Lullwater Cove and the Butterfly Meadow, and species like the Northern red oak and sweet birch.
It’s Wednesday — act natural.It’s Wednesday — act natural.
Dear Diary:Dear Diary:
I was uptown on a mid-March evening some years ago. I stopped into a wine shop, picked out a couple of bottles and absent-mindedly put down my briefcase to get to my credit card.I was uptown on a mid-March evening some years ago. I stopped into a wine shop, picked out a couple of bottles and absent-mindedly put down my briefcase to get to my credit card.
After paying for the wine, I walked out of the shop. I was about halfway up the block when a young woman ran up to me.After paying for the wine, I walked out of the shop. I was about halfway up the block when a young woman ran up to me.
“You forgot your briefcase,” she said, nearly out of breath.“You forgot your briefcase,” she said, nearly out of breath.
I looked at her just as the heavens opened up. We stepped into a confectionary shop as the rain poured down, and I thanked her.I looked at her just as the heavens opened up. We stepped into a confectionary shop as the rain poured down, and I thanked her.
She smiled so sweetly that I suddenly heard myself saying, “How about coming to a party with me; it’s couples and … ”She smiled so sweetly that I suddenly heard myself saying, “How about coming to a party with me; it’s couples and … ”
She laughed a little, then looked at me with her head cocked, perhaps trying to figure out if I was for real.She laughed a little, then looked at me with her head cocked, perhaps trying to figure out if I was for real.
“OK,” she said. “Maybe just this once.”“OK,” she said. “Maybe just this once.”
— Scott Cameron— Scott Cameron
New York Today is published weekdays around 6 a.m. Sign up here to get it by email. You can also find it at nytoday.com.New York Today is published weekdays around 6 a.m. Sign up here to get it by email. You can also find it at nytoday.com.
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