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In a Crowded City, Leaders Struggle to Separate the Sick From the Well In a Crowded City, Leaders Struggle to Separate the Sick From the Well
(about 1 hour later)
CHELSEA, Mass. — Paul Nowicki, the director of operations for the housing authority in this small, crowded immigrant city, walked the halls of the Buckley Apartments last week in a plastic face shield and white gown, trying to stop an invisible predator.CHELSEA, Mass. — Paul Nowicki, the director of operations for the housing authority in this small, crowded immigrant city, walked the halls of the Buckley Apartments last week in a plastic face shield and white gown, trying to stop an invisible predator.
Chelsea is the epicenter of the coronavirus crisis in Massachusetts, with rates of infection that surged last week to 3,841 per 100,000 people, around six times the statewide average. And officials fear the virus is still spreading.Chelsea is the epicenter of the coronavirus crisis in Massachusetts, with rates of infection that surged last week to 3,841 per 100,000 people, around six times the statewide average. And officials fear the virus is still spreading.
Take Mr. Nowicki: There were nine confirmed cases of the virus in the Buckley Apartments, tucked among eight floors of public housing. Mr. Nowicki had ordered waves of deep-cleaning, wiping of railings and elevator buttons. He watched the residents shuffle in and out of the lobby, mostly grandparents, fragile and disabled. It was his job to safeguard them.Take Mr. Nowicki: There were nine confirmed cases of the virus in the Buckley Apartments, tucked among eight floors of public housing. Mr. Nowicki had ordered waves of deep-cleaning, wiping of railings and elevator buttons. He watched the residents shuffle in and out of the lobby, mostly grandparents, fragile and disabled. It was his job to safeguard them.
But how could he do that when, because of medical privacy laws, he did not know where the nine infected people lived? “It’s the specificity of the floor you’d like to know,” Mr. Nowicki said. “Like, are the cases on the 7th floor or the 9th floor? Are all the infections on one floor? Or is it spread along all the floors? You’d like to know.”But how could he do that when, because of medical privacy laws, he did not know where the nine infected people lived? “It’s the specificity of the floor you’d like to know,” Mr. Nowicki said. “Like, are the cases on the 7th floor or the 9th floor? Are all the infections on one floor? Or is it spread along all the floors? You’d like to know.”
He is not the only one. Residents call Mr. Nowicki’s wife, Tracy, the city’s director of elder services, demanding to know who in their building is positive, and she gently deters them.He is not the only one. Residents call Mr. Nowicki’s wife, Tracy, the city’s director of elder services, demanding to know who in their building is positive, and she gently deters them.
“They want to make sure they don’t knock on their door,” she said. “I totally understand that. I totally understand why the residents that are still healthy want to stay that way.”“They want to make sure they don’t knock on their door,” she said. “I totally understand that. I totally understand why the residents that are still healthy want to stay that way.”
As the virus spreads through American communities, many leaders will face the same stubborn challenge: How, in a country that values its citizens’ medical privacy and autonomy, can authorities separate the sick from the well?As the virus spreads through American communities, many leaders will face the same stubborn challenge: How, in a country that values its citizens’ medical privacy and autonomy, can authorities separate the sick from the well?
The question is an urgent one if public life is to resume.The question is an urgent one if public life is to resume.
Chinese cities solved this problem by giving infected people no choice. In the city of Wuhan, authorities realized that social distancing was not enough to rapidly bring the virus's reproduction rate down to near zero, which they felt was necessary to reopen schools and businesses.Chinese cities solved this problem by giving infected people no choice. In the city of Wuhan, authorities realized that social distancing was not enough to rapidly bring the virus's reproduction rate down to near zero, which they felt was necessary to reopen schools and businesses.
Household transmission represented the bulk of new cases. So when people had mild symptoms, or were known to have been exposed, they were removed to vast quarantine centers. There, they were medically monitored and provided with food, until two successive tests showed they were not infectious.Household transmission represented the bulk of new cases. So when people had mild symptoms, or were known to have been exposed, they were removed to vast quarantine centers. There, they were medically monitored and provided with food, until two successive tests showed they were not infectious.
Two months of this regimen brought the number of new confirmed cases to nearly zero, said Xihong Lin, a biostatistician at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health. But the United States, she said, will have to encourage sick people to separate from family voluntarily.Two months of this regimen brought the number of new confirmed cases to nearly zero, said Xihong Lin, a biostatistician at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health. But the United States, she said, will have to encourage sick people to separate from family voluntarily.
“Western countries are different from Asian countries,” she said. “One cannot force people to do things.”“Western countries are different from Asian countries,” she said. “One cannot force people to do things.”
Chelsea, a city of 40,000 people crammed into less than two square miles, has 1,447 confirmed cases, according to state data, by far the highest rate in Massachusetts.Chelsea, a city of 40,000 people crammed into less than two square miles, has 1,447 confirmed cases, according to state data, by far the highest rate in Massachusetts.
And those confirmed cases represent only the tip of an iceberg. Last weekend, when researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital conducted antibodies tests on 200 apparently healthy pedestrians in Chelsea, selected at random, nearly a third of them tested positive, suggesting that many had been infected without knowing it.And those confirmed cases represent only the tip of an iceberg. Last weekend, when researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital conducted antibodies tests on 200 apparently healthy pedestrians in Chelsea, selected at random, nearly a third of them tested positive, suggesting that many had been infected without knowing it.
“They may infect other people around them who are high risk,” said John Iafrate, vice chairman of Massachusetts General’s pathology department and the study’s principal investigator. “That is a very, very serious infection control issue.”“They may infect other people around them who are high risk,” said John Iafrate, vice chairman of Massachusetts General’s pathology department and the study’s principal investigator. “That is a very, very serious infection control issue.”
This month, city officials began offering people who tested positive for the virus the option of moving into a 157-room hotel in nearby Revere, to avoid infecting their family members or housemates. Ten days later, though, only 14 people from Chelsea are staying there.This month, city officials began offering people who tested positive for the virus the option of moving into a 157-room hotel in nearby Revere, to avoid infecting their family members or housemates. Ten days later, though, only 14 people from Chelsea are staying there.
“We were expecting the floodgates to open,” said Alexander Train, the assistant director of the city’s Department of Planning and Development. He said undocumented immigrants may be afraid to take advantage of the offer, fearing it would lead to deportation.“We were expecting the floodgates to open,” said Alexander Train, the assistant director of the city’s Department of Planning and Development. He said undocumented immigrants may be afraid to take advantage of the offer, fearing it would lead to deportation.
“I think there is some uncertainty and anxiety that is inhibiting the flow of guests to the hotel, because it is attributed to the government,” he said. “It’s about, ‘what if I don’t make it back to my family?’”“I think there is some uncertainty and anxiety that is inhibiting the flow of guests to the hotel, because it is attributed to the government,” he said. “It’s about, ‘what if I don’t make it back to my family?’”
Most people, given a choice, will stay home, despite the risk of infection, said Roy Avellaneda, the City Council president, who said he tried in vain to persuade an employee at the restaurant he runs, who risked infecting her family members, to check into a hotel.Most people, given a choice, will stay home, despite the risk of infection, said Roy Avellaneda, the City Council president, who said he tried in vain to persuade an employee at the restaurant he runs, who risked infecting her family members, to check into a hotel.
“For all the love we have in this country,” Mr. Avellaneda said, “the reason we’re probably going to be hit sicker is that we still have a government that cannot make those decisions for the benefit of its residents.”“For all the love we have in this country,” Mr. Avellaneda said, “the reason we’re probably going to be hit sicker is that we still have a government that cannot make those decisions for the benefit of its residents.”
Separated from Boston by the Mystic River, Chelsea is a world apart, a first stop for immigrant families — Lithuanian, Polish, Irish, and more recently Honduran and Guatemalan — who cannot afford the bigger city’s sky-high rents.Separated from Boston by the Mystic River, Chelsea is a world apart, a first stop for immigrant families — Lithuanian, Polish, Irish, and more recently Honduran and Guatemalan — who cannot afford the bigger city’s sky-high rents.
It has a population density of nearly 17,000 people per square mile, with whole families crowding into single rooms in triple-decker rowhouses, buildings with high rates of lead paint, asbestos and air pollution.It has a population density of nearly 17,000 people per square mile, with whole families crowding into single rooms in triple-decker rowhouses, buildings with high rates of lead paint, asbestos and air pollution.
Katharine Robb, a researcher at the Harvard Kennedy School who spent a summer following housing inspectors in Chelsea, was stunned by what she found — families living on porches, in unfinished basements or even closets, without access to running water, heat or sanitation.Katharine Robb, a researcher at the Harvard Kennedy School who spent a summer following housing inspectors in Chelsea, was stunned by what she found — families living on porches, in unfinished basements or even closets, without access to running water, heat or sanitation.
“I didn’t think conditions like this were happening in the 21st century,” she said. “It reminded me of stories I heard of the late 1800s, at the beginning of sanitary reform, at the beginning of urbanization.”“I didn’t think conditions like this were happening in the 21st century,” she said. “It reminded me of stories I heard of the late 1800s, at the beginning of sanitary reform, at the beginning of urbanization.”
This spring, the fast-spreading virus collided disastrously with the city’s overcrowded housing. A warning flare came in the second week of April, when, late at night, a young mother called the city housing authority from the street; she had disclosed her test results to her roommates, and they had kicked her out. “It dawned on me that this situation was going to replicate itself,” said Thomas Ambrosino, Chelsea’s city manager, “and we better have a solution.”This spring, the fast-spreading virus collided disastrously with the city’s overcrowded housing. A warning flare came in the second week of April, when, late at night, a young mother called the city housing authority from the street; she had disclosed her test results to her roommates, and they had kicked her out. “It dawned on me that this situation was going to replicate itself,” said Thomas Ambrosino, Chelsea’s city manager, “and we better have a solution.”
Over the weeks that came after, some of the sick isolated themselves. One man, worried about infecting his family, slept in his car for two days, until his relatives sought help from the city.Over the weeks that came after, some of the sick isolated themselves. One man, worried about infecting his family, slept in his car for two days, until his relatives sought help from the city.
Gladys Vega, a longtime community activist, helped a man who had been banished to a freezing, unfinished dirt basement, where he was riding out the illness on a piece of cardboard. Another man had been sent to sleep on a porch, despite temperatures that still dropped below freezing at night.Gladys Vega, a longtime community activist, helped a man who had been banished to a freezing, unfinished dirt basement, where he was riding out the illness on a piece of cardboard. Another man had been sent to sleep on a porch, despite temperatures that still dropped below freezing at night.
“People are being treated as if they have leprosy,” said Ms. Vega, executive director of the Chelsea Collaborative.“People are being treated as if they have leprosy,” said Ms. Vega, executive director of the Chelsea Collaborative.
Others did their best to ride out the virus in small spaces. Marisol Lima, 35, was eight days from her move-out date, in the tiny room she rented from a Colombian family, when she noticed that her downstairs neighbor was coughing. Within days, six of the seven people in the apartment were seriously ill, feverish, breathing with difficulty.Others did their best to ride out the virus in small spaces. Marisol Lima, 35, was eight days from her move-out date, in the tiny room she rented from a Colombian family, when she noticed that her downstairs neighbor was coughing. Within days, six of the seven people in the apartment were seriously ill, feverish, breathing with difficulty.
“I think it was impossible not to get the virus,” she said. “It was a very small living space. The air would have been contaminated.”“I think it was impossible not to get the virus,” she said. “It was a very small living space. The air would have been contaminated.”
Updated June 22, 2020 Updated June 24, 2020
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
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.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.
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.)
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.
Wendy Rosales, a restaurant kitchen manager, discovered she had the virus when she went to the doctor for an earache, and tried to isolate from her husband and daughters by staying in a bedroom. But the room had no lock and her three-year-old toddled into the room any time her father’s attention drifted, running to hug her mother. When Ms. Rosales pushed her out and shut the door, the girl would stand outside, crying.Wendy Rosales, a restaurant kitchen manager, discovered she had the virus when she went to the doctor for an earache, and tried to isolate from her husband and daughters by staying in a bedroom. But the room had no lock and her three-year-old toddled into the room any time her father’s attention drifted, running to hug her mother. When Ms. Rosales pushed her out and shut the door, the girl would stand outside, crying.
“I didn’t sleep,” she said. “I spent almost the whole night thinking what to do, and thinking about the little one — she’s young and doesn’t understand what’s happening.”“I didn’t sleep,” she said. “I spent almost the whole night thinking what to do, and thinking about the little one — she’s young and doesn’t understand what’s happening.”
The opening of the Quality Inn in Revere last week provided the city with a safety valve. Those who checked in would get three meals a day and medical monitoring, but would not be allowed to leave their rooms, or leave until cleared by medical staff.The opening of the Quality Inn in Revere last week provided the city with a safety valve. Those who checked in would get three meals a day and medical monitoring, but would not be allowed to leave their rooms, or leave until cleared by medical staff.
Ms. Rosales was one of the first to check in.Ms. Rosales was one of the first to check in.
After her night of crying, she stuffed a few possessions into a backpack and left home without saying goodbye, or even looking back. Now in her seventh day at the Quality Inn, she is both intensely homesick and intensely relieved.After her night of crying, she stuffed a few possessions into a backpack and left home without saying goodbye, or even looking back. Now in her seventh day at the Quality Inn, she is both intensely homesick and intensely relieved.
“I was terrified I was going to infect them,” she said. “It was the best decision.”“I was terrified I was going to infect them,” she said. “It was the best decision.”
But many in the city are choosing to ride out the illness at home.But many in the city are choosing to ride out the illness at home.
For Mr. Ambrosino, the city manager, it is part of a bigger problem for the city of Chelsea: Infected people must be persuaded to take difficult steps — like social distancing and isolating in the hotel — themselves. “We’re not going to engage in violent physical sealing of doors, that’s not how we operate in the U. S. of A.,” he said.For Mr. Ambrosino, the city manager, it is part of a bigger problem for the city of Chelsea: Infected people must be persuaded to take difficult steps — like social distancing and isolating in the hotel — themselves. “We’re not going to engage in violent physical sealing of doors, that’s not how we operate in the U. S. of A.,” he said.
He said compliance rates were very good, as high as 95 percent, but that left a significant number to spread the virus.” If the compliance rates were 95 percent, that means that I have 2,000 nitwits out on the street,” he said.He said compliance rates were very good, as high as 95 percent, but that left a significant number to spread the virus.” If the compliance rates were 95 percent, that means that I have 2,000 nitwits out on the street,” he said.
Another obstacle, he said, are medical privacy laws that can prevent the city’s public health staff from disclosing who, in this crowded city, has tested positive.Another obstacle, he said, are medical privacy laws that can prevent the city’s public health staff from disclosing who, in this crowded city, has tested positive.
“She can’t call me and say, ‘I’ve got someone in Unit 6 who is positive,’” Mr. Ambrosino said. “I can’t know their names or addresses. She can say, ‘the city is ready to help you, call this help line,’ but if that person doesn’t call, because they don’t understand, or they’re afraid of the government, there is no way for us to help them.”“She can’t call me and say, ‘I’ve got someone in Unit 6 who is positive,’” Mr. Ambrosino said. “I can’t know their names or addresses. She can say, ‘the city is ready to help you, call this help line,’ but if that person doesn’t call, because they don’t understand, or they’re afraid of the government, there is no way for us to help them.”
“Unless someone tells us they’re Covid-19 positive, I have no way of knowing,” he said.“Unless someone tells us they’re Covid-19 positive, I have no way of knowing,” he said.
And many sick people are withholding their status out of fear. Earlier this month, Maria Belen Power, a community activist, found herself begging an undocumented friend, Floridalma Ochoa, to call 911. Ms. Power was weeping; her friend had spent the night gasping for air.And many sick people are withholding their status out of fear. Earlier this month, Maria Belen Power, a community activist, found herself begging an undocumented friend, Floridalma Ochoa, to call 911. Ms. Power was weeping; her friend had spent the night gasping for air.
“They just didn’t want to call, because they were afraid,” said Ms. Power, associate executive director of GreenRoots, an environmental justice organization. “She kept saying, ‘but what if they ask me for papers?’ Honestly, I thought she could die. I was saying, ‘You have to call. You’re losing time.”“They just didn’t want to call, because they were afraid,” said Ms. Power, associate executive director of GreenRoots, an environmental justice organization. “She kept saying, ‘but what if they ask me for papers?’ Honestly, I thought she could die. I was saying, ‘You have to call. You’re losing time.”
Ms. Lima, who was infected by one of her roommates, said many people she knows don’t want to reveal that they have the illness. “Fear exists heavily among the Latino people,” she said. “A lot of people do not want to speak, or even accept that they are sick, because they are scared of how the rest of the people will look at them.”Ms. Lima, who was infected by one of her roommates, said many people she knows don’t want to reveal that they have the illness. “Fear exists heavily among the Latino people,” she said. “A lot of people do not want to speak, or even accept that they are sick, because they are scared of how the rest of the people will look at them.”
And many simply cannot fathom leaving sick relatives alone. Ruth Gabriela Santos, 34, is counting the days until her mother, Ms. Ochoa, is released from the hospital. She has been on a respirator for three weeks, a period during which the city was transformed.And many simply cannot fathom leaving sick relatives alone. Ruth Gabriela Santos, 34, is counting the days until her mother, Ms. Ochoa, is released from the hospital. She has been on a respirator for three weeks, a period during which the city was transformed.
“The impact is terrible,” said Ms. Santos. “Knowing you are at the epicenter, looking around and realizing how many people have died. And that the numbers of infections are not only increasing, but doubling and tripling. Learning that people you’ve known your whole life are infected.”“The impact is terrible,” said Ms. Santos. “Knowing you are at the epicenter, looking around and realizing how many people have died. And that the numbers of infections are not only increasing, but doubling and tripling. Learning that people you’ve known your whole life are infected.”
Bringing her mother home, into a four-room apartment with eight other people, comes with the risk that she is contagious. But Ms. Santos cannot bear to think of her mother’s loneliness if she should be moved to the hotel. She wants to cook for her.Bringing her mother home, into a four-room apartment with eight other people, comes with the risk that she is contagious. But Ms. Santos cannot bear to think of her mother’s loneliness if she should be moved to the hotel. She wants to cook for her.
“Our parents had their time,” Ms. Santos said. “They gave everything to us. Now it is my time to return it, and take care of them.”“Our parents had their time,” Ms. Santos said. “They gave everything to us. Now it is my time to return it, and take care of them.”
Vanessa Swales contributed reporting from New York.Vanessa Swales contributed reporting from New York.