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Coronavirus Deaths in New York Increase Slightly, Cuomo Says Coronavirus Deaths in New York Increase Slightly, Cuomo Says
(3 days later)
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo arrived on Saturday to the New York City Transit’s Corona Maintenance Facility in Queens to deliver a sliver of bad news in the fight against the coronavirus: The state’s daily death toll went up slightly after a consistent decline in the past few days.Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo arrived on Saturday to the New York City Transit’s Corona Maintenance Facility in Queens to deliver a sliver of bad news in the fight against the coronavirus: The state’s daily death toll went up slightly after a consistent decline in the past few days.
“That number has remained obnoxiously and terrifyingly high,” Mr. Cuomo said.“That number has remained obnoxiously and terrifyingly high,” Mr. Cuomo said.
The governor on Saturday reported 299 deaths, 10 more than the previous day. About 276 of those died in hospitals and 23 in nursing homes, the majority of them in New York City, he said.The governor on Saturday reported 299 deaths, 10 more than the previous day. About 276 of those died in hospitals and 23 in nursing homes, the majority of them in New York City, he said.
As part of its efforts to more closely control the virus, the state has conducted more than 15,000 antibody tests so far, the largest sample in the nation, the governor said. Of those tested in New York, 12.3 percent were positive for antibodies, which are seen as evidence that a person had been infected with the coronavirus.As part of its efforts to more closely control the virus, the state has conducted more than 15,000 antibody tests so far, the largest sample in the nation, the governor said. Of those tested in New York, 12.3 percent were positive for antibodies, which are seen as evidence that a person had been infected with the coronavirus.
Other antibody test findings include:Other antibody test findings include:
About 13.1 percent of men and 11.5 percent of women tested positive for antibodies.About 13.1 percent of men and 11.5 percent of women tested positive for antibodies.
In New York City, 20 percent of antibody tests were positive. The Bronx had the highest rate of positive tests by far, at 27.6 percent. Brooklyn and Staten Island were in a virtual tie at 19.2 percent, followed by Queens, at 18.4 percent, and Manhattan, at 17.3 percent.In New York City, 20 percent of antibody tests were positive. The Bronx had the highest rate of positive tests by far, at 27.6 percent. Brooklyn and Staten Island were in a virtual tie at 19.2 percent, followed by Queens, at 18.4 percent, and Manhattan, at 17.3 percent.
Hispanic people tested positive at a higher rate than any other ethnic group, 25.4 percent, followed by blacks 17.4 percent. People declaring more than one racial heritage tested positive at 14.4 percent, Asians at 11.1 percent and whites at 7 percent.Hispanic people tested positive at a higher rate than any other ethnic group, 25.4 percent, followed by blacks 17.4 percent. People declaring more than one racial heritage tested positive at 14.4 percent, Asians at 11.1 percent and whites at 7 percent.
The number of new hospitalizations, the most consistent method to measure the rate of infection in New York, decreased to 831 after hovering in the 900s in the last week.The number of new hospitalizations, the most consistent method to measure the rate of infection in New York, decreased to 831 after hovering in the 900s in the last week.
“We are trying to understand why that is,” he said. “Who are those 900?”“We are trying to understand why that is,” he said. “Who are those 900?”
As of Saturday, 10,350 people remained hospitalized, a low from the 18,825 admitted during the peak of the outbreak, in early April.As of Saturday, 10,350 people remained hospitalized, a low from the 18,825 admitted during the peak of the outbreak, in early April.
Mr. Cuomo sat next to Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials at the maintenance facility and reiterated his plan to rid the nation’s largest transportation system of the highly contagious virus.Mr. Cuomo sat next to Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials at the maintenance facility and reiterated his plan to rid the nation’s largest transportation system of the highly contagious virus.
Earlier this week, Mr. Cuomo announced that, beginning on Wednesday, the city’s subway system, long renowned for its round-the-clock service, would begin shutting down daily from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. to allow time for cleaning and disinfecting.Earlier this week, Mr. Cuomo announced that, beginning on Wednesday, the city’s subway system, long renowned for its round-the-clock service, would begin shutting down daily from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. to allow time for cleaning and disinfecting.
The move was also intended to discourage homeless people from seeking refuge in the otherwise vacant cars. Their presence in the transit system during the crisis — compounded by their limited access to bathing and medical facilities — has become a health hazard for commuters who fear contagion, officials said.The move was also intended to discourage homeless people from seeking refuge in the otherwise vacant cars. Their presence in the transit system during the crisis — compounded by their limited access to bathing and medical facilities — has become a health hazard for commuters who fear contagion, officials said.
“You do not help the homeless by letting them stay in the subway car and letting them sleep in a subway car in the middle of the pandemic when they can expose themselves and others,” Mr. Cuomo said. “We owe them more and we owe them better.”“You do not help the homeless by letting them stay in the subway car and letting them sleep in a subway car in the middle of the pandemic when they can expose themselves and others,” Mr. Cuomo said. “We owe them more and we owe them better.”
Gov. Philip D. Murphy said the number of new cases was rising in New Jersey, but stressed that the uptick was in part a result of increased testing in the state.Gov. Philip D. Murphy said the number of new cases was rising in New Jersey, but stressed that the uptick was in part a result of increased testing in the state.
“We have gone from zero capability to test to having among the most robust testing of any state in America,” he said on Saturday.“We have gone from zero capability to test to having among the most robust testing of any state in America,” he said on Saturday.
Mr. Murphy reported 2,912 new cases, bringing the state’s total to 123,717 — still well below the peak reported on April 16, when the state reported 4,391 new cases.Mr. Murphy reported 2,912 new cases, bringing the state’s total to 123,717 — still well below the peak reported on April 16, when the state reported 4,391 new cases.
The number of hospitalizations in the northern part of the state was down 41 percent from April 14, when there were 8,185 people hospitalized statewide, said Judith Persichilli, commissioner of the state’s Department of Health.The number of hospitalizations in the northern part of the state was down 41 percent from April 14, when there were 8,185 people hospitalized statewide, said Judith Persichilli, commissioner of the state’s Department of Health.
As of Friday night, 5,713 people were hospitalized across the state because of the virus.As of Friday night, 5,713 people were hospitalized across the state because of the virus.
The decreases came as state officials began to relax some of the restrictions that had been in place for weeks. Parks and golf courses were reopened on Saturday morning, and Mr. Murphy said that early anecdotal reports from state police and parks officials indicated people were maintaining social distance.The decreases came as state officials began to relax some of the restrictions that had been in place for weeks. Parks and golf courses were reopened on Saturday morning, and Mr. Murphy said that early anecdotal reports from state police and parks officials indicated people were maintaining social distance.
“If we hear minimal reports of knucklehead behavior at our parks and we see that the metrics we need to meet are being met over the next couple of days, then we know that you have all taken to heart your responsibility,” he said.“If we hear minimal reports of knucklehead behavior at our parks and we see that the metrics we need to meet are being met over the next couple of days, then we know that you have all taken to heart your responsibility,” he said.
The number of new deaths fell to 205 on Saturday, down from a high of 460 on Thursday.The number of new deaths fell to 205 on Saturday, down from a high of 460 on Thursday.
“This has been a tough week as it relates to fatalities we’ve had,” Mr. Murphy said. The death toll is now at 7,742.“This has been a tough week as it relates to fatalities we’ve had,” Mr. Murphy said. The death toll is now at 7,742.
With a wave of balmy weather arriving in New York City this weekend, Mayor Bill de Blasio pleaded with residents to resist the impulse to gather outdoors and warned of the dangers still presented by the coronavirus.With a wave of balmy weather arriving in New York City this weekend, Mayor Bill de Blasio pleaded with residents to resist the impulse to gather outdoors and warned of the dangers still presented by the coronavirus.
Still, residents who had been cooped up inside — especially with several days of rain this week — flocked to parks in New York and New Jersey. In Central Park’s Sheep Meadow, clusters of people were spread out across the grassy expanse.Still, residents who had been cooped up inside — especially with several days of rain this week — flocked to parks in New York and New Jersey. In Central Park’s Sheep Meadow, clusters of people were spread out across the grassy expanse.
The New York Police Department also said it would deploy more than 1,000 officers across the city over the weekend to ensure that people were properly social distancing.The New York Police Department also said it would deploy more than 1,000 officers across the city over the weekend to ensure that people were properly social distancing.
As of Saturday afternoon, most New Yorkers had been abiding by social distancing restrictions, making enforcement by police virtually unnecessary, Mayor de Blasio said during an appearance on CNN.As of Saturday afternoon, most New Yorkers had been abiding by social distancing restrictions, making enforcement by police virtually unnecessary, Mayor de Blasio said during an appearance on CNN.
“The vast majority of people got the message,” Mr. de Blasio said. “People have heard that we need them to stay home, overwhelmingly they have. Even with good weather, they’ve gone out for a while and they came back home.”“The vast majority of people got the message,” Mr. de Blasio said. “People have heard that we need them to stay home, overwhelmingly they have. Even with good weather, they’ve gone out for a while and they came back home.”
Joe Corcoran, 35, who works at a private equity fund and said he runs in Central Park five times a week, acknowledged that the park was packed with people but said he noticed runners were making an effort to maintain social distancing.Joe Corcoran, 35, who works at a private equity fund and said he runs in Central Park five times a week, acknowledged that the park was packed with people but said he noticed runners were making an effort to maintain social distancing.
“I think people are trying to do their best to stay physically healthy but also respect people’s boundaries,” he said.“I think people are trying to do their best to stay physically healthy but also respect people’s boundaries,” he said.
City workers at Central Park said they had distributed 2,000 masks in about 45 minutes, part of an effort to distribute millions of masks throughout the city over the next several days.City workers at Central Park said they had distributed 2,000 masks in about 45 minutes, part of an effort to distribute millions of masks throughout the city over the next several days.
At Liberty State Park in Jersey City, N.J., Chris Woodard was first in the line waiting for two N.J. State Park officers to open the gate at 6 a.m.At Liberty State Park in Jersey City, N.J., Chris Woodard was first in the line waiting for two N.J. State Park officers to open the gate at 6 a.m.
“Just getting some air and space is good.” said Mr. Woodard, 46, who brought his daughter, Mia, from their small apartment in The Heights section of Jersey City. “I missed it. It was a bummer when this closed.”“Just getting some air and space is good.” said Mr. Woodard, 46, who brought his daughter, Mia, from their small apartment in The Heights section of Jersey City. “I missed it. It was a bummer when this closed.”
To give New Yorkers more space to play and walk, the city on Saturday closed off seven miles of streets inside and near city parks vehicle traffic — the first installment of a planned 40 miles of closings.To give New Yorkers more space to play and walk, the city on Saturday closed off seven miles of streets inside and near city parks vehicle traffic — the first installment of a planned 40 miles of closings.
Just after 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday, a transit worker got on a No. 2 train at the last stop in the Bronx and leaned in close to a man slumped in a seat. He was wearing a large hooded jacket and had a dark scarf wrapped around his mouth.Just after 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday, a transit worker got on a No. 2 train at the last stop in the Bronx and leaned in close to a man slumped in a seat. He was wearing a large hooded jacket and had a dark scarf wrapped around his mouth.
“Wake up!” the woman shouted.“Wake up!” the woman shouted.
The man didn’t flinch. It took another worker rapping the railing with a metal tool to get him to stand up.The man didn’t flinch. It took another worker rapping the railing with a metal tool to get him to stand up.
The man, who gave his name only as Victor C., said in an interview on the platform that staying on the train was a point of pride: “People not wanting to burden their family, not wanting to count on the government.”The man, who gave his name only as Victor C., said in an interview on the platform that staying on the train was a point of pride: “People not wanting to burden their family, not wanting to count on the government.”
Generations of homeless people have used New York City’s subway as protection against the elements and a place to unsoundly sleep.Generations of homeless people have used New York City’s subway as protection against the elements and a place to unsoundly sleep.
Updated June 5, 2020 Updated June 12, 2020
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.
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.
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.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.
But with little access to showers or medical care, they have become a health hazard during the coronavirus pandemic. And with ridership down 92 percent, images of them splayed across otherwise empty cars have become searing symbols of the city’s precarious condition.But with little access to showers or medical care, they have become a health hazard during the coronavirus pandemic. And with ridership down 92 percent, images of them splayed across otherwise empty cars have become searing symbols of the city’s precarious condition.
So on Thursday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, Mayor Bill de Blasio and transit officials reached a consensus: Putting the city on track to eventual reopening, and restoring public confidence in public transportation, required an extraordinary step.So on Thursday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, Mayor Bill de Blasio and transit officials reached a consensus: Putting the city on track to eventual reopening, and restoring public confidence in public transportation, required an extraordinary step.
Beginning on Wednesday, a subway system famous for never shutting down will close each night during the pandemic from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m., allowing time for intensive cleaning and disinfecting while also eliminating the overnight refuge that some homeless people depend on.Beginning on Wednesday, a subway system famous for never shutting down will close each night during the pandemic from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m., allowing time for intensive cleaning and disinfecting while also eliminating the overnight refuge that some homeless people depend on.
New Yorkers starved for the atmosphere of their favorite local bar now have a substitute of sorts: an online gathering spot called Virtual Cheers that opened last week.New Yorkers starved for the atmosphere of their favorite local bar now have a substitute of sorts: an online gathering spot called Virtual Cheers that opened last week.
Users can download the background of their chosen bar — over 50 have now registered with Virtual Cheers, including Dante in Greenwich Village and Death & Co in the East Village — and invite friends to join them.Users can download the background of their chosen bar — over 50 have now registered with Virtual Cheers, including Dante in Greenwich Village and Death & Co in the East Village — and invite friends to join them.
The backgrounds also contain links to GoFundMe pages, so people can donate money to employee relief funds during their virtual gatherings. Suggested donations are listed as “rounds.”The backgrounds also contain links to GoFundMe pages, so people can donate money to employee relief funds during their virtual gatherings. Suggested donations are listed as “rounds.”
At Teddy’s Bar and Grill in Williamsburg, it’s suggested to spend $24 for two virtual martinis. At Sweet Polly in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, $12 will get you a virtual Fro-Quito, a frozen drink with coconut, nutmeg and cinnamon.At Teddy’s Bar and Grill in Williamsburg, it’s suggested to spend $24 for two virtual martinis. At Sweet Polly in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, $12 will get you a virtual Fro-Quito, a frozen drink with coconut, nutmeg and cinnamon.
Supplying actual drinks is up to the user.Supplying actual drinks is up to the user.
Virtual Cheers was created by an ad agency based in Williamsburg, RXM Creative, that had been hosting weekly happy hours on Zoom where they used photos of local bars as their background.Virtual Cheers was created by an ad agency based in Williamsburg, RXM Creative, that had been hosting weekly happy hours on Zoom where they used photos of local bars as their background.
“We love these bars and miss the atmosphere, and this is the closest thing to having them back,” said Mihai Botarel, the agency’s co-founder.“We love these bars and miss the atmosphere, and this is the closest thing to having them back,” said Mihai Botarel, the agency’s co-founder.
In an effort to ease the pressure on overwhelmed crematories downstate, the New York State Cemetery Board on Saturday approved new emergency regulations that allow funeral directors to more easily transfer bodies awaiting cremation in the city to upstate crematories with more availability.In an effort to ease the pressure on overwhelmed crematories downstate, the New York State Cemetery Board on Saturday approved new emergency regulations that allow funeral directors to more easily transfer bodies awaiting cremation in the city to upstate crematories with more availability.
The surge in coronavirus deathshas caused a backlog in downstate crematories and cemeteries operating, as well as storage issues for funeral homes and hospitals overwhelmed with bodies. Even running at double their normal capacity, New York City’s four crematories this week were not accepting new appointments until well into May.The surge in coronavirus deathshas caused a backlog in downstate crematories and cemeteries operating, as well as storage issues for funeral homes and hospitals overwhelmed with bodies. Even running at double their normal capacity, New York City’s four crematories this week were not accepting new appointments until well into May.
In New York, a body could only be cremated if the next of kin had signed an authorization form, including the name and the address of the crematory. This form must also be signed by a funeral director acting as a witness.In New York, a body could only be cremated if the next of kin had signed an authorization form, including the name and the address of the crematory. This form must also be signed by a funeral director acting as a witness.
Although upstate crematories have the capacity to cremate bodies in a timely manner, the rules required a new signature from the next of kin, as well as a new form including the address and name of the crematory, to send a body to a different facility.Although upstate crematories have the capacity to cremate bodies in a timely manner, the rules required a new signature from the next of kin, as well as a new form including the address and name of the crematory, to send a body to a different facility.
To expedite this, the cemetery board voted to allow funeral directors or individuals authorized to deliver the remains on behalf of funeral directors to manually correct cremation authorization forms with the consent of the family of the deceased. The regulations are effective immediately.To expedite this, the cemetery board voted to allow funeral directors or individuals authorized to deliver the remains on behalf of funeral directors to manually correct cremation authorization forms with the consent of the family of the deceased. The regulations are effective immediately.
As The New York Times follows the spread of the coronavirus across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, we need your help. We want to talk to doctors, nurses, lab technicians, respiratory therapists, emergency services workers, nursing home managers — anyone who can share what’s happening in the region’s hospitals and other health care centers.As The New York Times follows the spread of the coronavirus across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, we need your help. We want to talk to doctors, nurses, lab technicians, respiratory therapists, emergency services workers, nursing home managers — anyone who can share what’s happening in the region’s hospitals and other health care centers.
A reporter or editor may contact you. Your information will not be published without your consent.A reporter or editor may contact you. Your information will not be published without your consent.
Reporting was contributed by Kevin Armstrong, Jo Corona, Maria Cramer, Michael Gold, Alyson Krueger, Andy Newman, Andrea Salcedo, Edgar Sandoval, Nate Schweber, Matt Stevens and Nikita Stewart.Reporting was contributed by Kevin Armstrong, Jo Corona, Maria Cramer, Michael Gold, Alyson Krueger, Andy Newman, Andrea Salcedo, Edgar Sandoval, Nate Schweber, Matt Stevens and Nikita Stewart.