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| The City That Never Sleeps Is Waking Up Later | The City That Never Sleeps Is Waking Up Later |
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| The coronavirus pandemic has transformed the ebb and flow of daily life in countless ways. Americans are comfort-eating, cringe-watching and using their phones for actual voice-calling. And, in New York City (and no doubt other places under stay-home orders), people are also staying under the covers a little bit longer. | The coronavirus pandemic has transformed the ebb and flow of daily life in countless ways. Americans are comfort-eating, cringe-watching and using their phones for actual voice-calling. And, in New York City (and no doubt other places under stay-home orders), people are also staying under the covers a little bit longer. |
| That is just one of several changes captured by researchers studying electricity use in hundreds of Manhattan apartments before and after the city was locked down in March. People are using up to 25 percent more energy during the daytime as they work or go to school remotely, or cook or binge-watch more. | That is just one of several changes captured by researchers studying electricity use in hundreds of Manhattan apartments before and after the city was locked down in March. People are using up to 25 percent more energy during the daytime as they work or go to school remotely, or cook or binge-watch more. |
| They even seem to be burning the midnight oil a little more. Weekdays are becoming more like weekends. | They even seem to be burning the midnight oil a little more. Weekdays are becoming more like weekends. |
| “You can actually see in the electricity data that people are home much more,” said Christoph Meinrenken, a physicist and associate research scientist at the Earth Institute at Columbia University. | “You can actually see in the electricity data that people are home much more,” said Christoph Meinrenken, a physicist and associate research scientist at the Earth Institute at Columbia University. |
| On normal weekdays there is usually a quick ramp-up in electricity use from about 6 a.m. to 7:30. But now, Dr. Meinrenken said, with no commute to work or no need to get children ready for school, or both, the ramp-up is delayed. “People just seem to get up later,” he said. | On normal weekdays there is usually a quick ramp-up in electricity use from about 6 a.m. to 7:30. But now, Dr. Meinrenken said, with no commute to work or no need to get children ready for school, or both, the ramp-up is delayed. “People just seem to get up later,” he said. |
| On weekends the start of the morning ramp-up is similar to that of pre-lockdown days. But daytime energy use is still higher than before. | On weekends the start of the morning ramp-up is similar to that of pre-lockdown days. But daytime energy use is still higher than before. |
| The data comes from a study set up two years ago by Dr. Meinrenken and his colleagues that uses special electric meters installed in about 400 apartments to provide information on energy use every few seconds. When New York was locked down, the researchers realized they could easily track shifting usage patterns. | The data comes from a study set up two years ago by Dr. Meinrenken and his colleagues that uses special electric meters installed in about 400 apartments to provide information on energy use every few seconds. When New York was locked down, the researchers realized they could easily track shifting usage patterns. |
| Utilities across the country have also noted a general increase in residential consumption. But they say that overall electricity use has declined, in some cases by 10 percent or more, because the drop in commercial and industrial demand more than offsets residential increases. | Utilities across the country have also noted a general increase in residential consumption. But they say that overall electricity use has declined, in some cases by 10 percent or more, because the drop in commercial and industrial demand more than offsets residential increases. |
| The New York Independent Systems Operator, which manages the state’s electrical grid, reported that despite an increase in residential electricity use, for one Monday to Friday period in mid-April overall power demand in New York City was 5 percent to 21 percent below typical levels for this time of year. | The New York Independent Systems Operator, which manages the state’s electrical grid, reported that despite an increase in residential electricity use, for one Monday to Friday period in mid-April overall power demand in New York City was 5 percent to 21 percent below typical levels for this time of year. |
| Those figures are certain to change as the weather warms and if the lockdowns continue, or if some restrictions are lifted and more businesses reopen. | Those figures are certain to change as the weather warms and if the lockdowns continue, or if some restrictions are lifted and more businesses reopen. |
| The Columbia researchers noted that there is little demand for cooling in April and consequently little stress on the power distribution grid. But in warmer months, as more stuck-at-home apartment dwellers run air-conditioners longer, energy use will climb even more. “If you extrapolate to May, June, July, that could get you into territory where you won’t be able to say anymore, well the grid, no problem,” Dr. Meinrenken said. | The Columbia researchers noted that there is little demand for cooling in April and consequently little stress on the power distribution grid. But in warmer months, as more stuck-at-home apartment dwellers run air-conditioners longer, energy use will climb even more. “If you extrapolate to May, June, July, that could get you into territory where you won’t be able to say anymore, well the grid, no problem,” Dr. Meinrenken said. |
| “The challenge of this stuff is it could occur, but locally,” potentially straining transformers and other equipment in areas that are mostly residential, said Vijay Modi, a professor of mechanical engineering at Columbia who is involved in the study. “A weekday peak is what the utility has to worry about.” | “The challenge of this stuff is it could occur, but locally,” potentially straining transformers and other equipment in areas that are mostly residential, said Vijay Modi, a professor of mechanical engineering at Columbia who is involved in the study. “A weekday peak is what the utility has to worry about.” |
| Anne Marie Cobalis, a spokeswoman for Con Edison, the utility that supplies power to the city, said crews were working to harden the grid for peak summer demand, replacing and upgrading transformers, cables and other infrastructure. | Anne Marie Cobalis, a spokeswoman for Con Edison, the utility that supplies power to the city, said crews were working to harden the grid for peak summer demand, replacing and upgrading transformers, cables and other infrastructure. |
| “If things stay as they are into the summer months, we anticipate seeing a rise in residential usage and some additional commercial usage for air conditioning,” she said. Should any part of the grid become stressed, she added, the utility is ready to provide temporary equipment like mobile generators. | “If things stay as they are into the summer months, we anticipate seeing a rise in residential usage and some additional commercial usage for air conditioning,” she said. Should any part of the grid become stressed, she added, the utility is ready to provide temporary equipment like mobile generators. |
| Nationally, reduced overall demand should continue into the summer even if more of the economy reopens, said Adam Jordan, an analyst with Genscape, which provides pricing and other forecasts to the electricity industry. The reduction in demand makes it unlikely that broader grid reliability problems will appear this summer even if residential consumption rises, Mr. Jordan said. “In terms of keeping the lights on, this isn’t really a big threat.” | Nationally, reduced overall demand should continue into the summer even if more of the economy reopens, said Adam Jordan, an analyst with Genscape, which provides pricing and other forecasts to the electricity industry. The reduction in demand makes it unlikely that broader grid reliability problems will appear this summer even if residential consumption rises, Mr. Jordan said. “In terms of keeping the lights on, this isn’t really a big threat.” |
| But Mr. Jordan said there eventually could be some distribution bottlenecks, because many utilities are putting off scheduled power plant shutdowns for maintenance work to reduce employees’ risk of becoming infected with the coronavirus. | But Mr. Jordan said there eventually could be some distribution bottlenecks, because many utilities are putting off scheduled power plant shutdowns for maintenance work to reduce employees’ risk of becoming infected with the coronavirus. |
| Rescheduling that work for the fall or next year, when other shutdowns are scheduled as well, could result in reductions in generating capacity, forcing grid operators to juggle power from different sources, including wind and solar generation that is farther from population centers, he said. | Rescheduling that work for the fall or next year, when other shutdowns are scheduled as well, could result in reductions in generating capacity, forcing grid operators to juggle power from different sources, including wind and solar generation that is farther from population centers, he said. |
| Updated June 5, 2020 | Updated June 5, 2020 |
| A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. | |
| The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. | The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. |
| Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission. | Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission. |
| Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home. | Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home. |
| States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. | States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. |
| Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. | Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. |
| Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. | Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. |
| If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) | If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) |
| Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications. | Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications. |
| The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing. | The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing. |
| If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. | If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. |
| If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. | If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. |
| The New York apartment study was financed by the federal Department of Energy with the goal of developing ways to help apartment dwellers reduce energy use. | The New York apartment study was financed by the federal Department of Energy with the goal of developing ways to help apartment dwellers reduce energy use. |
| Before the coronavirus lockdown, the data showed weekday use of electricity dropping off sharply after 9 a.m. as apartments became vacant. But in the post-lockdown week in April that was analyzed, electricity use just kept climbing throughout the day, with computers and other electronic devices in use. (It keeps climbing on weekends, too, although the daytime increase from before the lockdown is only about 10 percent, the researchers said.) | Before the coronavirus lockdown, the data showed weekday use of electricity dropping off sharply after 9 a.m. as apartments became vacant. But in the post-lockdown week in April that was analyzed, electricity use just kept climbing throughout the day, with computers and other electronic devices in use. (It keeps climbing on weekends, too, although the daytime increase from before the lockdown is only about 10 percent, the researchers said.) |
| Over entire 24-hour periods, average consumption on weekdays was 7 percent higher than pre-lockdown days. On weekend days, energy use averaged 4 percent higher. | Over entire 24-hour periods, average consumption on weekdays was 7 percent higher than pre-lockdown days. On weekend days, energy use averaged 4 percent higher. |
| Because more people are at home all day, the evening ramp-up, when people typically come home and turn on lights and appliances, is less abrupt. But the data showed that in the lockdown, people are using more energy at night, and usage remains slightly higher even as midnight approaches. | Because more people are at home all day, the evening ramp-up, when people typically come home and turn on lights and appliances, is less abrupt. But the data showed that in the lockdown, people are using more energy at night, and usage remains slightly higher even as midnight approaches. |
| In addition to waking up later, Dr. Meinrenken said, “people also seem to be going to bed a little later.” | In addition to waking up later, Dr. Meinrenken said, “people also seem to be going to bed a little later.” |