'N.Y.C.’s Subway, a 24/7 Mainstay, Will Close for Overnight Disinfection' diff viewer (9/10)

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N.Y.C.’s Subway, a 24/7 Mainstay, Will Close for Overnight Disinfection	N.Y.C.’s Subway, a 24/7 Mainstay, Will Close for Overnight Disinfection
2020-06-16 12:22:58 UTC	2020-06-17 01:37:12 UTC (about 13 hours later)
New York has long prided itself on its 24-hour subway, one of the world’s few round-the-clock transit systems and a symbol of the city’s relentless energy. But since the coronavirus outbreak began, the subway has reflected the city’s deterioration: Ridership has plummeted by more than 90 percent, thousands of sick workers have hobbled the ability to run service, and the number of homeless people on trains has grown.	New York has long prided itself on its 24-hour subway, one of the world’s few round-the-clock transit systems and a symbol of the city’s relentless energy. But since the coronavirus outbreak began, the subway has reflected the city’s deterioration: Ridership has plummeted by more than 90 percent, thousands of sick workers have hobbled the ability to run service, and the number of homeless people on trains has grown.
On Thursday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and transit officials took the extraordinary step of trying to restore the system by shutting it down from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m., hoping to provide more time for the disinfecting of trains, equipment and stations during the pandemic.	On Thursday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and transit officials took the extraordinary step of trying to restore the system by shutting it down from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m., hoping to provide more time for the disinfecting of trains, equipment and stations during the pandemic.
The decision to halt regularly scheduled overnight service for the first time in the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s history demonstrates the stark steps state officials are taking to preserve a system that is critical to reviving New York’s economy when businesses begin to reopen.	The decision to halt regularly scheduled overnight service for the first time in the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s history demonstrates the stark steps state officials are taking to preserve a system that is critical to reviving New York’s economy when businesses begin to reopen.
“We’ve never been here before,” said Mr. Cuomo, who instructed the M.T.A. to devise a plan to clean more frequently earlier this week. “This is going to be one of the most aggressive, creative, challenging undertakings that the M.T.A. has done.”	“We’ve never been here before,” said Mr. Cuomo, who instructed the M.T.A. to devise a plan to clean more frequently earlier this week. “This is going to be one of the most aggressive, creative, challenging undertakings that the M.T.A. has done.”
Shutting down the system overnight is crucial for the transit agency to test and explore disinfecting techniques, including ultraviolet lights and antimicrobial agents, M.T.A. officials said. Still, groups representing riders raised concerns about the indefinite timeline for the shutdown, warning that the pandemic should not be used as an excuse to reduce service permanently.	Shutting down the system overnight is crucial for the transit agency to test and explore disinfecting techniques, including ultraviolet lights and antimicrobial agents, M.T.A. officials said. Still, groups representing riders raised concerns about the indefinite timeline for the shutdown, warning that the pandemic should not be used as an excuse to reduce service permanently.
The overnight closure begins on Wednesday, and the M.T.A. said it would provide free, alternative means of transit to essential workers who need to travel during that time.	The overnight closure begins on Wednesday, and the M.T.A. said it would provide free, alternative means of transit to essential workers who need to travel during that time.
Public transit in New York City is the only system in the United States, and among the relatively few in the world, that runs all its train lines 24 hours a day. The system has shut down only twice in the past decade — in 2011 for Hurricane Irene and in 2012 for Hurricane Sandy, both times for days. In 2015, the system halted passenger service but kept equipment trains running in response to a blizzard.	Public transit in New York City is the only system in the United States, and among the relatively few in the world, that runs all its train lines 24 hours a day. The system has shut down only twice in the past decade — in 2011 for Hurricane Irene and in 2012 for Hurricane Sandy, both times for days. In 2015, the system halted passenger service but kept equipment trains running in response to a blizzard.
The decision to temporarily end late-night service will affect roughly 11,000 riders who have been using the system between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. in recent weeks, according to M.T.A. officials.	The decision to temporarily end late-night service will affect roughly 11,000 riders who have been using the system between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. in recent weeks, according to M.T.A. officials.
Beginning next week, the transit agency will roll out a program offering riders who can prove their travel is essential two free trips on for-hire vehicles each night; it will also provide free rides on buses and in dollar vans. Essential workers will also be able to call a hotline to request a ride, M.T.A. officials said.	Beginning next week, the transit agency will roll out a program offering riders who can prove their travel is essential two free trips on for-hire vehicles each night; it will also provide free rides on buses and in dollar vans. Essential workers will also be able to call a hotline to request a ride, M.T.A. officials said.
The M.T.A. was expected to release more details on its plan to provide for-hire cars in the coming days. But the cost to the transit agency will likely add to its financial crisis: It anticipates a shortfall of up to $8.5 billion by the end of the year, and it recently requested $3.9 billion in federal aid in addition to a $3.8 billion federal bailout it received in March.	The M.T.A. was expected to release more details on its plan to provide for-hire cars in the coming days. But the cost to the transit agency will likely add to its financial crisis: It anticipates a shortfall of up to $8.5 billion by the end of the year, and it recently requested $3.9 billion in federal aid in addition to a $3.8 billion federal bailout it received in March.
Bus service will continue throughout the night as scheduled, and the agency will add additional buses where needed when late-night subway service is suspended.	Bus service will continue throughout the night as scheduled, and the agency will add additional buses where needed when late-night subway service is suspended.
“This is an unprecedented time and that calls for unprecedented action to protect the safety, security and health of our system for customers and employees,” Patrick J. Foye, the M.T.A. chairman, said in a statement. “This closure will enable us to more aggressively and efficiently disinfect and clean our trains and buses than we have ever done before and do it every single day.”	“This is an unprecedented time and that calls for unprecedented action to protect the safety, security and health of our system for customers and employees,” Patrick J. Foye, the M.T.A. chairman, said in a statement. “This closure will enable us to more aggressively and efficiently disinfect and clean our trains and buses than we have ever done before and do it every single day.”
The initiative is a joint effort by the M.T.A., the state and the city, and requires cooperation from the New York Police Department to ensure all passengers vacate subway cars and stations when the system closes each night, officials said.	The initiative is a joint effort by the M.T.A., the state and the city, and requires cooperation from the New York Police Department to ensure all passengers vacate subway cars and stations when the system closes each night, officials said.
“It took some disruption to say we are going to do something in this pandemic we’ve never done before, but it makes sense,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio, who joined Mr. Cuomo’s briefing by video.	“It took some disruption to say we are going to do something in this pandemic we’ve never done before, but it makes sense,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio, who joined Mr. Cuomo’s briefing by video.
Still, some riders worry that if late-night subway service were suspended for good, it would hamper the return of New York’s 24/7 culture.	Still, some riders worry that if late-night subway service were suspended for good, it would hamper the return of New York’s 24/7 culture.
“Having a 24-hour public transit system really affects the spirit and what we are as a city,” said Noah Robbins, 29, who lives in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn and works in Manhattan’s West Village. Mr. Robbins grew up in Boston, where most subway trains stop running at 1 a.m.	“Having a 24-hour public transit system really affects the spirit and what we are as a city,” said Noah Robbins, 29, who lives in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn and works in Manhattan’s West Village. Mr. Robbins grew up in Boston, where most subway trains stop running at 1 a.m.
“It changes the whole character of the city,” he said. “You don’t get the same night life we have here. The economy changes.”	“It changes the whole character of the city,” he said. “You don’t get the same night life we have here. The economy changes.”
~~Updated June ~~12,~~ 2020~~	Updated June 16, 2020
	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.
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.
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.
Many transit advocates said they understood the need to figure out how to disinfect the subway, but they expressed concerns for essential workers who rely on it overnight. They urged state officials to outline a specific plan for late-night bus service to fill the gap, and pushed city officials to ramp up social services for the homeless.	Many transit advocates said they understood the need to figure out how to disinfect the subway, but they expressed concerns for essential workers who rely on it overnight. They urged state officials to outline a specific plan for late-night bus service to fill the gap, and pushed city officials to ramp up social services for the homeless.
“The governor should announce specific milestones that will trigger the resumption of overnight service,” said David Bragdon, executive director of TransitCenter, an advocacy group. “The criteria announced by the M.T.A. today were much too vague. Riders need more assurance that this is a temporary measure.”	“The governor should announce specific milestones that will trigger the resumption of overnight service,” said David Bragdon, executive director of TransitCenter, an advocacy group. “The criteria announced by the M.T.A. today were much too vague. Riders need more assurance that this is a temporary measure.”
Essential workers who are still using the subway also worried that for-hire cars and vans may not be as reliable as their trains, despite the already reduced service schedule.	Essential workers who are still using the subway also worried that for-hire cars and vans may not be as reliable as their trains, despite the already reduced service schedule.
“The one thing I really depend on now is the subway system, even if trains don’t come as often. I can depend that it’s my mode of transit to and from work,” said Suk-Yee Wong, 49, a pharmacist from Queens who works at NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital in Manhattan. “Now I’m getting antsy. If I have to cover a night shift or an overnight shift, how would I get there?”	“The one thing I really depend on now is the subway system, even if trains don’t come as often. I can depend that it’s my mode of transit to and from work,” said Suk-Yee Wong, 49, a pharmacist from Queens who works at NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital in Manhattan. “Now I’m getting antsy. If I have to cover a night shift or an overnight shift, how would I get there?”
In recent weeks, the homeless population has become more visible on the system, as usual riders abandoned trains and some people sought shelter on the subway rather than at often-crowded shelters, which have been breeding grounds for the virus.	In recent weeks, the homeless population has become more visible on the system, as usual riders abandoned trains and some people sought shelter on the subway rather than at often-crowded shelters, which have been breeding grounds for the virus.
But with pictures of homeless people on the system circulating on social media, many riders and transit workers have raised concerns about hygiene and safety on largely empty trains.	But with pictures of homeless people on the system circulating on social media, many riders and transit workers have raised concerns about hygiene and safety on largely empty trains.