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Reopening of New York Could Begin Upstate After May 15, Cuomo Says Reopening of New York Could Begin Upstate After May 15, Cuomo Says
(7 days later)
ALBANY, N.Y. — With promising indications that the coronavirus contagion has passed its peak, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York laid out a broad outline on Sunday for a gradual restart of the state that would allow some “low-risk” businesses upstate to reopen as soon as mid-May.ALBANY, N.Y. — With promising indications that the coronavirus contagion has passed its peak, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York laid out a broad outline on Sunday for a gradual restart of the state that would allow some “low-risk” businesses upstate to reopen as soon as mid-May.
The governor’s announcement, coming as the state recorded its lowest death daily toll in nearly a month, was filled with caveats, but nonetheless offered the clearest outline yet for recovery in New York, the national center of the outbreak, with nearly 17,000 dead.The governor’s announcement, coming as the state recorded its lowest death daily toll in nearly a month, was filled with caveats, but nonetheless offered the clearest outline yet for recovery in New York, the national center of the outbreak, with nearly 17,000 dead.
That human devastation has largely been confined thus far to New York City and its sprawling suburbs. And under Mr. Cuomo’s plan, upstate regions would move forward with reopening long before downstate, with an emphasis on manufacturing and construction, industries in which telecommuting and working from home are impossible.That human devastation has largely been confined thus far to New York City and its sprawling suburbs. And under Mr. Cuomo’s plan, upstate regions would move forward with reopening long before downstate, with an emphasis on manufacturing and construction, industries in which telecommuting and working from home are impossible.
During his daily briefing in the State Capitol in Albany, Mr. Cuomo said such changes could occur shortly after May 15, when a statewide stay-at-home order — known as New York State On Pause — is scheduled to lapse, though the governor has indicated that many restrictions on businesses and residents’ activities could be continued for weeks, if not months.During his daily briefing in the State Capitol in Albany, Mr. Cuomo said such changes could occur shortly after May 15, when a statewide stay-at-home order — known as New York State On Pause — is scheduled to lapse, though the governor has indicated that many restrictions on businesses and residents’ activities could be continued for weeks, if not months.
He did not suggest any loosening of restrictions on New York City in the near future.He did not suggest any loosening of restrictions on New York City in the near future.
Still, the governor’s remarks offered a hint of a return to normalcy for some state residents, following weeks of heartbreaking news and amid a still-cascading economic disaster.Still, the governor’s remarks offered a hint of a return to normalcy for some state residents, following weeks of heartbreaking news and amid a still-cascading economic disaster.
“The numbers are on the decline: Everything we have done is working,” Mr. Cuomo said, adding that while caution was still needed, “There’s no doubt that we’ve gone at this point through the worst. And as long as we act prudently going forward, the worst should be over.”“The numbers are on the decline: Everything we have done is working,” Mr. Cuomo said, adding that while caution was still needed, “There’s no doubt that we’ve gone at this point through the worst. And as long as we act prudently going forward, the worst should be over.”
The governor’s cautious embrace of a phased reopening comes even as other states — largely led by Republican governors — have been more aggressive about such plans.The governor’s cautious embrace of a phased reopening comes even as other states — largely led by Republican governors — have been more aggressive about such plans.
In Georgia, close-contact retail businesses like barbers and tattoo parlors were allowed to open on Friday. Areas where large numbers of people congregate, such as movie theaters, were expected to accept customers on Monday, though mayors of large cities like Atlanta and Augusta have resisted Gov. Brian Kemp’s call for reopening.In Georgia, close-contact retail businesses like barbers and tattoo parlors were allowed to open on Friday. Areas where large numbers of people congregate, such as movie theaters, were expected to accept customers on Monday, though mayors of large cities like Atlanta and Augusta have resisted Gov. Brian Kemp’s call for reopening.
Mr. Cuomo, a third-term Democrat, said that he was closely monitoring hospitalization, infection and recovery rates in the city and regionally, with an eye toward the federal guidelines released by the White House 10 days ago. Under those, states were advised that they could move into limited reopening if they satisfied a series of criteria, including two weeks of sustained downward trends in documented cases of Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, and an easing of stress on the hospital system.Mr. Cuomo, a third-term Democrat, said that he was closely monitoring hospitalization, infection and recovery rates in the city and regionally, with an eye toward the federal guidelines released by the White House 10 days ago. Under those, states were advised that they could move into limited reopening if they satisfied a series of criteria, including two weeks of sustained downward trends in documented cases of Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, and an easing of stress on the hospital system.
On Sunday evening, Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey said that he too would begin to lay out a vision for reopening his state, which has also lost thousands of lives to the coronavirus. “The road back will be driven by data, science and common sense,” Mr. Murphy said in a tweet.On Sunday evening, Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey said that he too would begin to lay out a vision for reopening his state, which has also lost thousands of lives to the coronavirus. “The road back will be driven by data, science and common sense,” Mr. Murphy said in a tweet.
In New York, the daily count of new cases statewide has generally been trending downward, though the numbers have sometimes varied significantly from day to day and they rose toward the end of last week. Another metric laid out by the White House is the percentage of tests that are positive; by that metric, New York has been on a downward trajectory.In New York, the daily count of new cases statewide has generally been trending downward, though the numbers have sometimes varied significantly from day to day and they rose toward the end of last week. Another metric laid out by the White House is the percentage of tests that are positive; by that metric, New York has been on a downward trajectory.
In his remarks, Mr. Cuomo made clear that the road to reopening was cratered with potential hazards, specifically saying there should be no events or attractions that would draw people from more infected regions to less infected areas, such as Central New York or the Adirondacks, two areas he suggested were places where restrictions could soon be eased.In his remarks, Mr. Cuomo made clear that the road to reopening was cratered with potential hazards, specifically saying there should be no events or attractions that would draw people from more infected regions to less infected areas, such as Central New York or the Adirondacks, two areas he suggested were places where restrictions could soon be eased.
“It’s possible that you open something in Syracuse or you open something in the North Country, where you now see license plates coming in from Connecticut, New Jersey, people from downstate, all coming to that area, because they’ve been locked down and they’re looking for an activity,” he said. “So that’s something that we have to pay attention to.”“It’s possible that you open something in Syracuse or you open something in the North Country, where you now see license plates coming in from Connecticut, New Jersey, people from downstate, all coming to that area, because they’ve been locked down and they’re looking for an activity,” he said. “So that’s something that we have to pay attention to.”
At the same time, Mr. Cuomo pleaded with local officials — particularly in the New York City region — to consider how to provide for summer activities for residents, including children. New York’s mayor, Bill de Blasio, has already said that the city’s public swimming pools will not open this summer, even as its playgrounds remain shut for the time being.At the same time, Mr. Cuomo pleaded with local officials — particularly in the New York City region — to consider how to provide for summer activities for residents, including children. New York’s mayor, Bill de Blasio, has already said that the city’s public swimming pools will not open this summer, even as its playgrounds remain shut for the time being.
“You can’t tell people in a dense urban environment all through the summer months, ‘We don’t have anything for you to do,’” Mr. Cuomo said, adding, “There’s a sanity equation here.”“You can’t tell people in a dense urban environment all through the summer months, ‘We don’t have anything for you to do,’” Mr. Cuomo said, adding, “There’s a sanity equation here.”
Earlier on Sunday, Mr. de Blasio had struck a similar chord while announcing a series of advisory groups to help imagine New York City’s future, with an emphasis on a rebuild that “confronts deep inequities” in low-income and minority communities, a theme Mr. Cuomo also touched on.Earlier on Sunday, Mr. de Blasio had struck a similar chord while announcing a series of advisory groups to help imagine New York City’s future, with an emphasis on a rebuild that “confronts deep inequities” in low-income and minority communities, a theme Mr. Cuomo also touched on.
“We’re going to come back stronger and fairer,” the mayor said, promising to “learn the powerful lessons of this horrible tragedy.” He added: “We’re not going to allow the disparities that we’ve seen to exist in the future.”“We’re going to come back stronger and fairer,” the mayor said, promising to “learn the powerful lessons of this horrible tragedy.” He added: “We’re not going to allow the disparities that we’ve seen to exist in the future.”
While large gatherings seem unlikely to occur anywhere in New York anytime soon, the governor also floated the concept that professional sports leagues could play some games without crowds, saying he had discussed the idea with several team owners so people had something to watch on television.While large gatherings seem unlikely to occur anywhere in New York anytime soon, the governor also floated the concept that professional sports leagues could play some games without crowds, saying he had discussed the idea with several team owners so people had something to watch on television.
Updated June 16, 2020 Updated June 22, 2020
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
In laying out scenarios for a broader reopening of other businesses, Mr. Cuomo suggested that data would be evaluated in two-week increments, and that companies wanting to restart work would be individually evaluated to determine “how essential a service does that business provide and how risky is that business.”In laying out scenarios for a broader reopening of other businesses, Mr. Cuomo suggested that data would be evaluated in two-week increments, and that companies wanting to restart work would be individually evaluated to determine “how essential a service does that business provide and how risky is that business.”
He also laid a heavy onus on businesses to develop their own plans for reopening, including outfitting employees with personal protective equipment, enforcing social distancing between employees and customers and instituting testing in the workplace.He also laid a heavy onus on businesses to develop their own plans for reopening, including outfitting employees with personal protective equipment, enforcing social distancing between employees and customers and instituting testing in the workplace.
“They have to think about how they are going to reopen with this quote-unquote new normal,” Mr. Cuomo said, adding, “It’s very much going to be up to businesses.”“They have to think about how they are going to reopen with this quote-unquote new normal,” Mr. Cuomo said, adding, “It’s very much going to be up to businesses.”
The governor cautioned again and again that the state was a long way from a full recovery, warning against a possible second-wave of the virus and noting on Sunday that 367 people had been killed by the virus in the last 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 16,966 people in the state. And that number does not include some 5,200 probable deaths that New York City health officials have been tallying.The governor cautioned again and again that the state was a long way from a full recovery, warning against a possible second-wave of the virus and noting on Sunday that 367 people had been killed by the virus in the last 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 16,966 people in the state. And that number does not include some 5,200 probable deaths that New York City health officials have been tallying.
Indeed, while Mr. Cuomo’s comments offered hope for some upstate regions, the outlook for the New York City area seemed much more perilous, with countless calculations and safeguards being considered. Retail, tourism and hospitality industries — the bedrock of the city’s economy — would be difficult to restart quickly and without great care, the governor said, as would transportation and schools, which he has said he wants coordinated with neighboring New Jersey and Connecticut.Indeed, while Mr. Cuomo’s comments offered hope for some upstate regions, the outlook for the New York City area seemed much more perilous, with countless calculations and safeguards being considered. Retail, tourism and hospitality industries — the bedrock of the city’s economy — would be difficult to restart quickly and without great care, the governor said, as would transportation and schools, which he has said he wants coordinated with neighboring New Jersey and Connecticut.
Heather C. Briccetti, the president of the Business Council of New York State, praised Sunday’s decision, and concurred with Mr. Cuomo that entertainment and retail would be more complicated to reopen, because of the tendency of those sectors to draw crowds. “That’s not going to happen with construction and manufacturing,” she said.Heather C. Briccetti, the president of the Business Council of New York State, praised Sunday’s decision, and concurred with Mr. Cuomo that entertainment and retail would be more complicated to reopen, because of the tendency of those sectors to draw crowds. “That’s not going to happen with construction and manufacturing,” she said.
That sentiment was echoed by Gary LaBarbera, the president of the 100,000-member Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York. “It makes perfect sense for the construction industry to be at the front end of the remobilization of the work force,” he said in a statement.That sentiment was echoed by Gary LaBarbera, the president of the 100,000-member Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York. “It makes perfect sense for the construction industry to be at the front end of the remobilization of the work force,” he said in a statement.
While the news was largely positive on Sunday — with marked decreases in hospitalizations and other critical indicators of the crisis — Mr. Cuomo said that such progress could be lost in “a matter of days if we’re not careful.”While the news was largely positive on Sunday — with marked decreases in hospitalizations and other critical indicators of the crisis — Mr. Cuomo said that such progress could be lost in “a matter of days if we’re not careful.”
“Anybody who sits up here and says, ‘Well I’m going to tell you what is going happen a month down the road,’” he said, “I wouldn’t believe that person.”“Anybody who sits up here and says, ‘Well I’m going to tell you what is going happen a month down the road,’” he said, “I wouldn’t believe that person.”
Thomas Kaplan contributed reporting from Washington and Luis Ferré-Sadurní contributed reporting from New York.Thomas Kaplan contributed reporting from Washington and Luis Ferré-Sadurní contributed reporting from New York.