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An Upstate N.Y. Backlash Over Virus Shutdown: ‘It’s Not Up Here’ An Upstate N.Y. Backlash Over Virus Shutdown: ‘It’s Not Up Here’
(about 13 hours later)
HERKIMER, N.Y. — Scott Tranter knows how deeply the coronavirus has affected New York, with 300,000 people testing positive in the state, 18,000 dead and the economy shut down.HERKIMER, N.Y. — Scott Tranter knows how deeply the coronavirus has affected New York, with 300,000 people testing positive in the state, 18,000 dead and the economy shut down.
But as he surveyed his empty diner last week, it made little sense to him why businesses like his could not reopen, since the virus has barely touched his part of the state.But as he surveyed his empty diner last week, it made little sense to him why businesses like his could not reopen, since the virus has barely touched his part of the state.
“Enough is enough,” said Mr. Tranter, the owner of Crazy Otto’s Empire Diner, a popular vintage diner that, like all restaurants, can only offer takeout.“Enough is enough,” said Mr. Tranter, the owner of Crazy Otto’s Empire Diner, a popular vintage diner that, like all restaurants, can only offer takeout.
“I’ve been looking at the cases and I am not trying to minimize Covid, because it’s real and it’s scary,” he continued. “But it’s not up here. How are we going to recover if we take away the ability to make a living?”“I’ve been looking at the cases and I am not trying to minimize Covid, because it’s real and it’s scary,” he continued. “But it’s not up here. How are we going to recover if we take away the ability to make a living?”
Mr. Tranter’s plea is not uncommon in upstate New York, where vast swaths of rural territory remain largely unaffected thus far by the epidemic, with some counties reporting just a few dozen confirmed cases and a smattering of deaths.Mr. Tranter’s plea is not uncommon in upstate New York, where vast swaths of rural territory remain largely unaffected thus far by the epidemic, with some counties reporting just a few dozen confirmed cases and a smattering of deaths.
That small impact stands in stark contrast to the situation in New York City and its suburbs, where thousands have died and hundreds of thousands have been sickened, leading to a statewide shutdown order that is now in its sixth week.That small impact stands in stark contrast to the situation in New York City and its suburbs, where thousands have died and hundreds of thousands have been sickened, leading to a statewide shutdown order that is now in its sixth week.
In Herkimer County, a solidly Republican area that juts north from the Thruway into the Adirondack Park, three people have died because of the virus, and 58 people have been sickened, according to state health statistics.In Herkimer County, a solidly Republican area that juts north from the Thruway into the Adirondack Park, three people have died because of the virus, and 58 people have been sickened, according to state health statistics.
Yet the order still has had a profound impact here, as well as throughout upstate: Unemployment claims have spiked as thousands of businesses, from florists to flooring, have shuttered. Paycheck-to-paycheck families are compelled to use food banks. Farmers are pouring unwanted milk into the ground.Yet the order still has had a profound impact here, as well as throughout upstate: Unemployment claims have spiked as thousands of businesses, from florists to flooring, have shuttered. Paycheck-to-paycheck families are compelled to use food banks. Farmers are pouring unwanted milk into the ground.
Hopes for a possible respite were raised earlier this week, when Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced that some manufacturing and construction businesses could be back in business by mid-May, specifically mentioning the Mohawk Valley, where the village of Herkimer sits. Elective surgeries will also again be allowed in many upstate counties.Hopes for a possible respite were raised earlier this week, when Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced that some manufacturing and construction businesses could be back in business by mid-May, specifically mentioning the Mohawk Valley, where the village of Herkimer sits. Elective surgeries will also again be allowed in many upstate counties.
But such changes will do little to help small retail and restaurant businesses like Mr. Tranter’s, which he believes could safely operate now but which Mr. Cuomo said may be more difficult to reopen, considering their ability to draw a crowd.But such changes will do little to help small retail and restaurant businesses like Mr. Tranter’s, which he believes could safely operate now but which Mr. Cuomo said may be more difficult to reopen, considering their ability to draw a crowd.
“That is a complex sector to deal with,” the governor said on Sunday, adding that “it’s hard to do these precautions” in hotel and hospitality industries.“That is a complex sector to deal with,” the governor said on Sunday, adding that “it’s hard to do these precautions” in hotel and hospitality industries.
“If you are not smart you will see that infection rate go right back to where it was,” Mr. Cuomo said. “We will be right back to where we were 58 days ago, and nobody wants to do that.”“If you are not smart you will see that infection rate go right back to where it was,” Mr. Cuomo said. “We will be right back to where we were 58 days ago, and nobody wants to do that.”
In some ways, the coronavirus outbreak has sharpened an age-old philosophical and political divide between downstate, dominated by New York City, and upstate, which is generally more conservative.In some ways, the coronavirus outbreak has sharpened an age-old philosophical and political divide between downstate, dominated by New York City, and upstate, which is generally more conservative.
Still, Mr. Cuomo and other leaders stress that even that characterization is flawed, noting that upstate is far from monolithic, with liberal enclaves in major cities like Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo, and college and capital towns like Ithaca, Albany and Saratoga. And officials stress that community attitudes and needs can vary wildly even inside the broad regional boundaries the state uses for economic development.Still, Mr. Cuomo and other leaders stress that even that characterization is flawed, noting that upstate is far from monolithic, with liberal enclaves in major cities like Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo, and college and capital towns like Ithaca, Albany and Saratoga. And officials stress that community attitudes and needs can vary wildly even inside the broad regional boundaries the state uses for economic development.
The governor’s office notes widespread public support for Mr. Cuomo’s actions, as evidenced by a recent Siena College poll, which showed 87 percent of respondents supported the shutdown, currently running through May 15. The support upstate was nearly that high as well.The governor’s office notes widespread public support for Mr. Cuomo’s actions, as evidenced by a recent Siena College poll, which showed 87 percent of respondents supported the shutdown, currently running through May 15. The support upstate was nearly that high as well.
Testing has been limited in some rural and more remote counties. Still, as weeks have passed, cases have continued to tick up in some areas, including in Ulster County, which has recorded more than 1,200 cases. Two dozen residents have died.Testing has been limited in some rural and more remote counties. Still, as weeks have passed, cases have continued to tick up in some areas, including in Ulster County, which has recorded more than 1,200 cases. Two dozen residents have died.
Patrick Ryan, the county executive in Ulster, an often bucolic nugget of countryside midway between the city and the state capital, said he has been hearing residents simultaneously worry about both greater rates of infection and deeper economic woes.Patrick Ryan, the county executive in Ulster, an often bucolic nugget of countryside midway between the city and the state capital, said he has been hearing residents simultaneously worry about both greater rates of infection and deeper economic woes.
“We have a number of business owners who are very, very concerned and seeing impacts and devastation that they’ve never seen,” he said, adding that he’s “had a few town supervisors ready to pull out the pitchforks” to keep outsiders from more infected areas flooding into the county’s less-affected rural outposts.“We have a number of business owners who are very, very concerned and seeing impacts and devastation that they’ve never seen,” he said, adding that he’s “had a few town supervisors ready to pull out the pitchforks” to keep outsiders from more infected areas flooding into the county’s less-affected rural outposts.
Tourism is a major draw in Ulster, and Mr. Ryan says local hoteliers and others that cater to seasonal visitors are facing “a huge hit” if restrictions aren’t eased soon. “Heading into nicer parts of spring and summer, that’s a tension,” he said.Tourism is a major draw in Ulster, and Mr. Ryan says local hoteliers and others that cater to seasonal visitors are facing “a huge hit” if restrictions aren’t eased soon. “Heading into nicer parts of spring and summer, that’s a tension,” he said.
At the same time, Mr. Ryan says Ulster residents — like their counterparts in the city — remain most concerned about their hospitals and the people in them; medical facilities in the county have fewer than 40 ventilators total. “It’s hard to compare the scale to what they’ve dealing with,” he said, about the human devastation downstate, “but at a per capita level, we were very scared and very worried.”At the same time, Mr. Ryan says Ulster residents — like their counterparts in the city — remain most concerned about their hospitals and the people in them; medical facilities in the county have fewer than 40 ventilators total. “It’s hard to compare the scale to what they’ve dealing with,” he said, about the human devastation downstate, “but at a per capita level, we were very scared and very worried.”
Even in more remote areas, the infection has started to take a human toll. In Steuben County, in the state’s Southern Tier, Jack K. Wheeler, the county manager, says the county has recorded 28 deaths of nursing home patients, including more than a dozen linked to a single facility.Even in more remote areas, the infection has started to take a human toll. In Steuben County, in the state’s Southern Tier, Jack K. Wheeler, the county manager, says the county has recorded 28 deaths of nursing home patients, including more than a dozen linked to a single facility.
Such statistics have stunned Mr. Wheeler, who said that when the county opened an emergency operations center in mid-March, he held out hope that it might go unused. “I remember thinking, ‘Maybe we won’t have a case,’” he said, in an interview on Monday. “But obviously, that’s a world of difference six weeks later.”Such statistics have stunned Mr. Wheeler, who said that when the county opened an emergency operations center in mid-March, he held out hope that it might go unused. “I remember thinking, ‘Maybe we won’t have a case,’” he said, in an interview on Monday. “But obviously, that’s a world of difference six weeks later.”
Mr. Wheeler said that bottom-line concerns remain at the fore of residents’ minds.Mr. Wheeler said that bottom-line concerns remain at the fore of residents’ minds.
“Being upstate, I think everyone wants to open and get back to business,” he said. Some of that impact has been mitigated by several large employers who have been deemed essential — including Corning plants in the Southern Tier — but he said small businesses and farms have been hard-hit, especially dairies, because milk prices have plummeted. “I don’t think it’s going to be a short recovery,” he said.“Being upstate, I think everyone wants to open and get back to business,” he said. Some of that impact has been mitigated by several large employers who have been deemed essential — including Corning plants in the Southern Tier — but he said small businesses and farms have been hard-hit, especially dairies, because milk prices have plummeted. “I don’t think it’s going to be a short recovery,” he said.
Further west, in Erie County, home to Buffalo, the impact of the outbreak has been more acute, with the rising death toll now exceeding 200. The local economy has been dented by the temporary closure of plants by two big employers — General Motors and Ford — and other businesses, which has intensified stress on low-income families.Further west, in Erie County, home to Buffalo, the impact of the outbreak has been more acute, with the rising death toll now exceeding 200. The local economy has been dented by the temporary closure of plants by two big employers — General Motors and Ford — and other businesses, which has intensified stress on low-income families.
“You combine the sickness with the crisis of poverty we have in Buffalo, and that’s made it that much worse,” said Assemblyman Sean Ryan, a Democrat, adding many of the jobs in Erie County pay less than $15 an hour. “So you have very little cushion.”“You combine the sickness with the crisis of poverty we have in Buffalo, and that’s made it that much worse,” said Assemblyman Sean Ryan, a Democrat, adding many of the jobs in Erie County pay less than $15 an hour. “So you have very little cushion.”
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.
More affluent towns, of course, are also suffering. In Lake Placid, the home of two Winter Olympics and a mecca for winter sports, there are almost no cases. Its county, Essex County, has had only 28 confirmed cases, according to the state, and no deaths. But Lake Placid has also come to a standstill, with many hotels closed and the Adirondack Mountains largely devoid of visitors.More affluent towns, of course, are also suffering. In Lake Placid, the home of two Winter Olympics and a mecca for winter sports, there are almost no cases. Its county, Essex County, has had only 28 confirmed cases, according to the state, and no deaths. But Lake Placid has also come to a standstill, with many hotels closed and the Adirondack Mountains largely devoid of visitors.
Even so, residents here seemed in no hurry to reopen.Even so, residents here seemed in no hurry to reopen.
“I’m for the restrictions. We don’t need to get this thing spreading around here,” said Julie Blair, an employee of Critters, an animal-themed gift shop on Main Street. “We’re dependent on a lot of people around the state, dependent on people from pretty much all over the world.”“I’m for the restrictions. We don’t need to get this thing spreading around here,” said Julie Blair, an employee of Critters, an animal-themed gift shop on Main Street. “We’re dependent on a lot of people around the state, dependent on people from pretty much all over the world.”
In Herkimer County, after bracing for the worst, some store owners say it's time for Albany to loosen its grip, particularly as many large retailers have remained open and they remain closed.In Herkimer County, after bracing for the worst, some store owners say it's time for Albany to loosen its grip, particularly as many large retailers have remained open and they remain closed.
“I’ve even seen cars with floor covering sticking out the back coming from Lowe’s,” noted David Teachout, owner of John’s Floorcovering. “Wal-Mart sells clothes, but our small boutiques can’t open.”“I’ve even seen cars with floor covering sticking out the back coming from Lowe’s,” noted David Teachout, owner of John’s Floorcovering. “Wal-Mart sells clothes, but our small boutiques can’t open.”
Indeed, on a recent afternoon, commerce was largely relegated to fast-food drive-throughs and places like Wal-Mart, where barricades and yellow caution tape guided customers to strictly delineated entrance and exit lanes. Elsewhere in town, shoppers wearing protective masks looked at lawn mowers and viewed used cars in the lot: The dealership, after all, was unable to welcome shoppers inside.Indeed, on a recent afternoon, commerce was largely relegated to fast-food drive-throughs and places like Wal-Mart, where barricades and yellow caution tape guided customers to strictly delineated entrance and exit lanes. Elsewhere in town, shoppers wearing protective masks looked at lawn mowers and viewed used cars in the lot: The dealership, after all, was unable to welcome shoppers inside.
In nearby Ilion, Niki Marie Messina, a salon owner, said desperate customers have approached her for illegal trims and touch-ups — offers she has rejected. A single mother of two, she struggles to pay her bills.In nearby Ilion, Niki Marie Messina, a salon owner, said desperate customers have approached her for illegal trims and touch-ups — offers she has rejected. A single mother of two, she struggles to pay her bills.
Ms. Messina said she has always followed strict state regulations for cleaning utensils and wiping down surfaces, and resents that she now needs the government’s consent to follow safety practices. Masks, hand sanitizer and social distancing will be part of the equation.Ms. Messina said she has always followed strict state regulations for cleaning utensils and wiping down surfaces, and resents that she now needs the government’s consent to follow safety practices. Masks, hand sanitizer and social distancing will be part of the equation.
“While clients have their color processing, they will have to sit in the car,” she said, adding, “You can’t have a group hanging out in the waiting room anymore.”“While clients have their color processing, they will have to sit in the car,” she said, adding, “You can’t have a group hanging out in the waiting room anymore.”
At Crazy Otto’s, Mr. Tranter said he remains frustrated by the situation but would be willing to put safety measures into place if he could reopen: Employees’ temperatures would be taken, customers would spread out and he would offer curbside service.At Crazy Otto’s, Mr. Tranter said he remains frustrated by the situation but would be willing to put safety measures into place if he could reopen: Employees’ temperatures would be taken, customers would spread out and he would offer curbside service.
It would still be a welcome shift; Mr. Tranter said he had lost $90,000 in the past six weeks. He laid off 22 employees, his own children among them, sending them home with more than $10,000 in perishable food, including St. Patrick’s Day dinner. And though he is worried about longtime customers contracting the virus, he has heard of none.It would still be a welcome shift; Mr. Tranter said he had lost $90,000 in the past six weeks. He laid off 22 employees, his own children among them, sending them home with more than $10,000 in perishable food, including St. Patrick’s Day dinner. And though he is worried about longtime customers contracting the virus, he has heard of none.
“I have 2,500 Facebook friends and I’d ask, ‘Do you know anyone who has it?’ And almost to a T, no one did,” he said.“I have 2,500 Facebook friends and I’d ask, ‘Do you know anyone who has it?’ And almost to a T, no one did,” he said.
And while Mr. Tranter said he had taken some comfort from Governor Cuomo’s midday briefings, they no longer offer much solace.And while Mr. Tranter said he had taken some comfort from Governor Cuomo’s midday briefings, they no longer offer much solace.
“I’m not angry at him,” Mr. Tranter said of the governor. “I just think he’s misguided.”“I’m not angry at him,” Mr. Tranter said of the governor. “I just think he’s misguided.”