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‘Possible Covid’: Why the Lulls Never Last for Weary E.M.S. Crews ‘Possible Covid’: Why the Lulls Never Last for Weary E.M.S. Crews
(about 13 hours later)
For seven and a half hours, the two New York City paramedics had worked a surprisingly normal shift: a few people with difficulty breathing, one trip to the hospital — and, miraculously it seemed, no clear cases of coronavirus.For seven and a half hours, the two New York City paramedics had worked a surprisingly normal shift: a few people with difficulty breathing, one trip to the hospital — and, miraculously it seemed, no clear cases of coronavirus.
They were about to head back to their station when an urgent call flashed over their dispatch screen: cardiac arrest, with a patient who had been feeling sick for a week.They were about to head back to their station when an urgent call flashed over their dispatch screen: cardiac arrest, with a patient who had been feeling sick for a week.
“Heads up,” a radio barked. “Possible Covid.”“Heads up,” a radio barked. “Possible Covid.”
The paramedics, Sean Mahoney and Kenny Cheng, rushed to the apartment building, donned gowns, goggles and face masks and restarted the patient’s heart. But then the person crashed. The ambulance doors closed as Mr. Cheng frantically began chest compressions. Moments later, the patient was dead.The paramedics, Sean Mahoney and Kenny Cheng, rushed to the apartment building, donned gowns, goggles and face masks and restarted the patient’s heart. But then the person crashed. The ambulance doors closed as Mr. Cheng frantically began chest compressions. Moments later, the patient was dead.
Such is the disturbing new normal for the city’s paramedics, whose days can be mundane until — suddenly — they are not.Such is the disturbing new normal for the city’s paramedics, whose days can be mundane until — suddenly — they are not.
The peak of the coronavirus epidemic in New York City — when paramedics were declaring scores of people dead a day — has passed, at least for now. Yet the virus still casts a shadow over everything they do. And when it resurfaces, it does so swiftly and with a vengeance.The peak of the coronavirus epidemic in New York City — when paramedics were declaring scores of people dead a day — has passed, at least for now. Yet the virus still casts a shadow over everything they do. And when it resurfaces, it does so swiftly and with a vengeance.
Like the rest of the city, paramedics are facing an unnerving uncertainty: When can they see their loved ones again? When, if ever, can they return to normal? And what if the virus comes back when they do?Like the rest of the city, paramedics are facing an unnerving uncertainty: When can they see their loved ones again? When, if ever, can they return to normal? And what if the virus comes back when they do?
“It’s a little bit overwhelming,” said Mr. Mahoney, 40. “But that’s what we signed up to do, right?”“It’s a little bit overwhelming,” said Mr. Mahoney, 40. “But that’s what we signed up to do, right?”
Nearly two months into the coronavirus crisis, the strain has taken a heavy emotional and physical toll on paramedics. The city employs around 4,500 paramedics and emergency medical technicians, who are buttressed by privately employed ambulance crews paid by hospitals. Though the city’s medics work for the Fire Department, they are paid significantly less than firefighters and do not receive the same benefits.Nearly two months into the coronavirus crisis, the strain has taken a heavy emotional and physical toll on paramedics. The city employs around 4,500 paramedics and emergency medical technicians, who are buttressed by privately employed ambulance crews paid by hospitals. Though the city’s medics work for the Fire Department, they are paid significantly less than firefighters and do not receive the same benefits.
For weeks, they have worked exhausting days trying to save people, facing the threat of exposure each time they responded to a call. And after their shifts, they have had to isolate themselves at home to protect their relatives, spouses and children from infection.For weeks, they have worked exhausting days trying to save people, facing the threat of exposure each time they responded to a call. And after their shifts, they have had to isolate themselves at home to protect their relatives, spouses and children from infection.
Mr. Mahoney moved into a separate bedroom in his upstate home, and for weeks has not interacted with his wife and three young children. Mr. Cheng, 36, swapped residences with his parents, who have an apartment in Manhattan. They have moved to Queens to stay with Mr. Cheng’s wife and daughter.Mr. Mahoney moved into a separate bedroom in his upstate home, and for weeks has not interacted with his wife and three young children. Mr. Cheng, 36, swapped residences with his parents, who have an apartment in Manhattan. They have moved to Queens to stay with Mr. Cheng’s wife and daughter.
Mr. Cheng and Mr. Mahoney were reactivated for duty out of the Fire Department’s E.M.S. training academy in Fort Totten, Queens, a storied supplementary fleet known as “Station 60.” Its instructors have periodically gone back on the job during the city’s crises — like the Sept. 11 attacks and Hurricane Sandy — and they are staffing 10 ambulances now.Mr. Cheng and Mr. Mahoney were reactivated for duty out of the Fire Department’s E.M.S. training academy in Fort Totten, Queens, a storied supplementary fleet known as “Station 60.” Its instructors have periodically gone back on the job during the city’s crises — like the Sept. 11 attacks and Hurricane Sandy — and they are staffing 10 ambulances now.
Each day, Mr. Mahoney and Mr. Cheng gather with their colleagues for a moment of silence and updates on friends and co-workers who have contracted Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus. One ill colleague named during the meeting on Monday morning, an emergency medical technician named Idris Bey, had died by Friday.Each day, Mr. Mahoney and Mr. Cheng gather with their colleagues for a moment of silence and updates on friends and co-workers who have contracted Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus. One ill colleague named during the meeting on Monday morning, an emergency medical technician named Idris Bey, had died by Friday.
Mr. Cheng and Mr. Mahoney find out each morning whether they will be on an ambulance duty, at high risk of exposure, or working in an office on the training academy’s campus.Mr. Cheng and Mr. Mahoney find out each morning whether they will be on an ambulance duty, at high risk of exposure, or working in an office on the training academy’s campus.
The nature of the job requires a certain detachment from pain. Neither Mr. Mahoney nor Mr. Cheng is easily rattled by death or suffering. Still, the virus has shocked them in unexpected ways, chilling them with its rapid spread, the havoc it wreaks on bodies and its bizarre symptoms.The nature of the job requires a certain detachment from pain. Neither Mr. Mahoney nor Mr. Cheng is easily rattled by death or suffering. Still, the virus has shocked them in unexpected ways, chilling them with its rapid spread, the havoc it wreaks on bodies and its bizarre symptoms.
Many patients have vital signs — like low blood-oxygen levels — that indicate that they should be unconscious or dead, Mr. Cheng said. He recalled one patient whose oxygen levels were so low he was surprised the person was still coherent.Many patients have vital signs — like low blood-oxygen levels — that indicate that they should be unconscious or dead, Mr. Cheng said. He recalled one patient whose oxygen levels were so low he was surprised the person was still coherent.
“They were still awake and talking, which scientifically, should not be possible,” he said.“They were still awake and talking, which scientifically, should not be possible,” he said.
Beyond the day-to-day horror of dealing with coronavirus victims, Mr. Mahoney and Mr. Cheng are also wrestling with the loss of normal comforts, like most New Yorkers. Mr. Cheng said he missed ordering Chinese food and had found many of the restaurants around him have closed indefinitely. Mr. Mahoney, a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan, feared baseball season was slipping away.Beyond the day-to-day horror of dealing with coronavirus victims, Mr. Mahoney and Mr. Cheng are also wrestling with the loss of normal comforts, like most New Yorkers. Mr. Cheng said he missed ordering Chinese food and had found many of the restaurants around him have closed indefinitely. Mr. Mahoney, a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan, feared baseball season was slipping away.
Neither will seriously entertain visiting family members. Mr. Mahoney said he hoped to get a coronavirus test so he could see his wife, twin daughters and their baby brother this month. But that window, he said, would be brief — by the next shift, he would again be at risk of exposure and would have to isolate himself again.Neither will seriously entertain visiting family members. Mr. Mahoney said he hoped to get a coronavirus test so he could see his wife, twin daughters and their baby brother this month. But that window, he said, would be brief — by the next shift, he would again be at risk of exposure and would have to isolate himself again.
Mr. Cheng video chats daily with his young daughter, but said he had no idea when he might return home. Even when the city begins reopening, paramedics would still be at high risk of exposure, he said. He was recently reminded why he had taken pains to protect his family, when his father-in-law, who was not quarantining with them, died of the virus.Mr. Cheng video chats daily with his young daughter, but said he had no idea when he might return home. Even when the city begins reopening, paramedics would still be at high risk of exposure, he said. He was recently reminded why he had taken pains to protect his family, when his father-in-law, who was not quarantining with them, died of the virus.
As they wait in the ambulance in between calls, the men wear surgical masks, and they put them on whenever they are off-duty and go out in public. Mr. Cheng fashioned a headband that held the straps away from his ears, which he said got “shredded” by the elastic.As they wait in the ambulance in between calls, the men wear surgical masks, and they put them on whenever they are off-duty and go out in public. Mr. Cheng fashioned a headband that held the straps away from his ears, which he said got “shredded” by the elastic.
Even when he is at home, Mr. Mahoney said, the feeling haunts him.Even when he is at home, Mr. Mahoney said, the feeling haunts him.
“At the end of the day, I still feel like I’m wearing the mask,” he said.“At the end of the day, I still feel like I’m wearing the mask,” he said.
At the peak of the virus’s rampage through the city, paramedics were pronouncing hundreds of people dead in their homes every day. The 911 calls were constant, and many of the patients were too ill to save.At the peak of the virus’s rampage through the city, paramedics were pronouncing hundreds of people dead in their homes every day. The 911 calls were constant, and many of the patients were too ill to save.
Some days, the calls were relentless. Mr. Mahoney recalled one shift this month when he and his partner had been assigned to Brooklyn, but they were diverted almost immediately after leaving Fort Totten.Some days, the calls were relentless. Mr. Mahoney recalled one shift this month when he and his partner had been assigned to Brooklyn, but they were diverted almost immediately after leaving Fort Totten.
“We got hit from the academy and just bounced from one call, as soon as you hit the button,” he said. “We never made it out of Queens.”“We got hit from the academy and just bounced from one call, as soon as you hit the button,” he said. “We never made it out of Queens.”
That pace has abated in recent days, indicating that the virus’s first wave might be ending; fewer New Yorkers were making emergency calls.That pace has abated in recent days, indicating that the virus’s first wave might be ending; fewer New Yorkers were making emergency calls.
“They’re either recovered, or, most of them are dead,” Mr. Cheng said.“They’re either recovered, or, most of them are dead,” Mr. Cheng said.
Call levels soared to record highs in early April, rising to around 7,000 a day compared with the normal 4,000.Call levels soared to record highs in early April, rising to around 7,000 a day compared with the normal 4,000.
Now, they have dropped to levels even lower than that — so many people are staying inside that injuries related to car accidents and crime, for example, have plummeted. And many people have decided against calling ambulances for maladies unrelated to the coronavirus because they are fearful they could be exposed to the illness if they go to a hospital.Now, they have dropped to levels even lower than that — so many people are staying inside that injuries related to car accidents and crime, for example, have plummeted. And many people have decided against calling ambulances for maladies unrelated to the coronavirus because they are fearful they could be exposed to the illness if they go to a hospital.
On one call last Monday, for example, Mr. Cheng and Mr. Mahoney responded to a patient who had difficulty breathing. It was unclear if the person had coronavirus, but the medics donned their protective gear anyway.On one call last Monday, for example, Mr. Cheng and Mr. Mahoney responded to a patient who had difficulty breathing. It was unclear if the person had coronavirus, but the medics donned their protective gear anyway.
The patient had mostly normal vital signs and was unlikely to be admitted at a hospital, the medics said. In the end, the patient opted to stay home.The patient had mostly normal vital signs and was unlikely to be admitted at a hospital, the medics said. In the end, the patient opted to stay home.
Updated June 16, 2020Updated June 16, 2020
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.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.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.
Such calls were growing more and more common. People were scared, the paramedics said, and often they just wanted a medical professional to come and make sure they were not dying of the virus. Many of them were equally afraid of going to a hospital.Such calls were growing more and more common. People were scared, the paramedics said, and often they just wanted a medical professional to come and make sure they were not dying of the virus. Many of them were equally afraid of going to a hospital.
Rarely do Mr. Cheng or Mr. Mahoney know for sure if a patient has the virus, so they treat every call as a potential exposure. Each time they were called to an apartment last week, they lined up next to their ambulance, putting on gowns, gloves, goggles and N-95 respirator masks. Curious residents, huddled in windows, looked on as the men were transformed.Rarely do Mr. Cheng or Mr. Mahoney know for sure if a patient has the virus, so they treat every call as a potential exposure. Each time they were called to an apartment last week, they lined up next to their ambulance, putting on gowns, gloves, goggles and N-95 respirator masks. Curious residents, huddled in windows, looked on as the men were transformed.
Throughout the day, as Mr. Cheng and Mr. Mahoney wove their way through the Bronx, dozens of residents could be seen lining up at grocery stores and banks. People were walking through parks, or standing talking to neighbors on street corners.Throughout the day, as Mr. Cheng and Mr. Mahoney wove their way through the Bronx, dozens of residents could be seen lining up at grocery stores and banks. People were walking through parks, or standing talking to neighbors on street corners.
“Seems like a lot more cars are on the road today,” Mr. Mahoney said. “I think people are starting to slowly filter back into society. ”“Seems like a lot more cars are on the road today,” Mr. Mahoney said. “I think people are starting to slowly filter back into society. ”
The implication of his statement needed no explanation: As people begin to relax their social distancing efforts, it could mean the start of the virus’s next wave.The implication of his statement needed no explanation: As people begin to relax their social distancing efforts, it could mean the start of the virus’s next wave.
The juxtaposition of the dangers they face and the returning normalcy on the street can be disorienting.The juxtaposition of the dangers they face and the returning normalcy on the street can be disorienting.
As the paramedics lifted the limp body of their last cardiac arrest patient into the ambulance that afternoon, four other medics, suited up with personal protective equipment, raced frantically around the gurney. They moved silently, with urgency — like faceless extras from a biohazard movie.As the paramedics lifted the limp body of their last cardiac arrest patient into the ambulance that afternoon, four other medics, suited up with personal protective equipment, raced frantically around the gurney. They moved silently, with urgency — like faceless extras from a biohazard movie.
Next to them on the sidewalk, a couple out for an afternoon stroll stepped aside for the stretcher, looking on with passing interest as they continued on their walk. Neither was wearing a mask.Next to them on the sidewalk, a couple out for an afternoon stroll stepped aside for the stretcher, looking on with passing interest as they continued on their walk. Neither was wearing a mask.