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Coronavirus in N.Y.C.: Latest Updates Coronavirus in N.Y.C.: Latest Updates
(3 days later)
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It’s Tuesday.It’s Tuesday.
Weather: Crisp, breezy and mostly sunny, with a high in the low 60s.Weather: Crisp, breezy and mostly sunny, with a high in the low 60s.
Alternate-side parking: Suspended through May 12. Meters are in effect.Alternate-side parking: Suspended through May 12. Meters are in effect.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Monday provided new details about the process that New York plans to follow for reopening as the coronavirus outbreak continues to decline in the state.Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Monday provided new details about the process that New York plans to follow for reopening as the coronavirus outbreak continues to decline in the state.
Mr. Cuomo listed seven requirements that each of the state’s 10 regions must meet before restrictions meant to slow the virus’s spread could be eased in those areas.Mr. Cuomo listed seven requirements that each of the state’s 10 regions must meet before restrictions meant to slow the virus’s spread could be eased in those areas.
A 14-day decline in hospitalizations, or fewer than 15 a day.A 14-day decline in hospitalizations, or fewer than 15 a day.
A 14-day decline in virus-related hospital deaths, or fewer than five a day.A 14-day decline in virus-related hospital deaths, or fewer than five a day.
A steady rate of new hospitalizations below two per 100,000 residents a day.A steady rate of new hospitalizations below two per 100,000 residents a day.
A hospital-bed vacancy rate of at least 30 percent.A hospital-bed vacancy rate of at least 30 percent.
An availability rate for intensive care unit beds of at least 30 percent.An availability rate for intensive care unit beds of at least 30 percent.
At least 30 virus tests per 1,000 residents conducted a month.At least 30 virus tests per 1,000 residents conducted a month.
At least 30 working contact tracers per 100,000 residents.At least 30 working contact tracers per 100,000 residents.
Some parts of New York will probably meet the thresholds much sooner than others, the governor said.Some parts of New York will probably meet the thresholds much sooner than others, the governor said.
[Get the latest news and updates on the coronavirus in the New York region.][Get the latest news and updates on the coronavirus in the New York region.]
All public and private schools in New Jersey will remain closed for the rest of the academic year, Gov. Philip D. Murphy said on Twitter on Monday, a week after saying there was “a chance” that they would reopen.All public and private schools in New Jersey will remain closed for the rest of the academic year, Gov. Philip D. Murphy said on Twitter on Monday, a week after saying there was “a chance” that they would reopen.
“I had hoped that we could get back to a sense of normal by allowing our children to get back to the schools they love and to be with their friends and classmates,” the governor said at his daily briefing after making the announcement. “But the reality is that we cannot safely reopen our schools.”“I had hoped that we could get back to a sense of normal by allowing our children to get back to the schools they love and to be with their friends and classmates,” the governor said at his daily briefing after making the announcement. “But the reality is that we cannot safely reopen our schools.”
Students will continue online-only instruction through the end of the school year, Mr. Murphy said.Students will continue online-only instruction through the end of the school year, Mr. Murphy said.
“Guided by safety and science, this is the best course of action,” he said on Twitter.“Guided by safety and science, this is the best course of action,” he said on Twitter.
[Coronavirus in New York: A map and the case count.][Coronavirus in New York: A map and the case count.]
New York City’s public advocate, Jumaane D. Williams, said he did not know the specifics.New York City’s public advocate, Jumaane D. Williams, said he did not know the specifics.
But pictures he posted on Sunday — of swarms of mostly white New Yorkers sitting undisturbed in parks, and of apparently combative encounters between the police and brown-skinned New Yorkers — raised questions among many people about a possible double standard in the enforcement of social-distancing rules.But pictures he posted on Sunday — of swarms of mostly white New Yorkers sitting undisturbed in parks, and of apparently combative encounters between the police and brown-skinned New Yorkers — raised questions among many people about a possible double standard in the enforcement of social-distancing rules.
The balmy weather drew millions of New Yorkers outside, prompting Mayor Bill de Blasio and Mr. Cuomo to warn against flouting the restrictions, but Dermot F. Shea, the police commissioner, said that officers had written only about 70 summonses over the weekend for violations of the rules.The balmy weather drew millions of New Yorkers outside, prompting Mayor Bill de Blasio and Mr. Cuomo to warn against flouting the restrictions, but Dermot F. Shea, the police commissioner, said that officers had written only about 70 summonses over the weekend for violations of the rules.
15 Children Are Hospitalized With Mysterious Illness Possibly Tied to Covid-1915 Children Are Hospitalized With Mysterious Illness Possibly Tied to Covid-19
The Morgue Worker Who Buys a Daffodil for Each Body BagThe Morgue Worker Who Buys a Daffodil for Each Body Bag
2 Die From the Virus at a Bronx Bus Depot, and Drivers Are Rattled2 Die From the Virus at a Bronx Bus Depot, and Drivers Are Rattled
‘I’m Officially Scared’: Giving Birth in a Hospital During a Pandemic‘I’m Officially Scared’: Giving Birth in a Hospital During a Pandemic
Want more news? Check out our full coverage.Want more news? Check out our full coverage.
The Mini Crossword: Here is today’s puzzle.The Mini Crossword: Here is today’s puzzle.
A woman died at a Brooklyn nursing home last month. Then came the bills for a “fake funeral,” her cousin, the comedian Elayne Boosler, said. [The City]A woman died at a Brooklyn nursing home last month. Then came the bills for a “fake funeral,” her cousin, the comedian Elayne Boosler, said. [The City]
Some doctoral students who work at Columbia University and live in university-owned apartments are planning a rent strike. [Curbed]Some doctoral students who work at Columbia University and live in university-owned apartments are planning a rent strike. [Curbed]
What will New York’s dining scene look like? Fourteen restaurant experts offer predictions. [Eater]What will New York’s dining scene look like? Fourteen restaurant experts offer predictions. [Eater]
The Times’s Caity Weaver writes:The Times’s Caity Weaver writes:
You might want to make sure there’s not a rat living (or recently dead) in your car’s engine.You might want to make sure there’s not a rat living (or recently dead) in your car’s engine.
Rats like it in there, and while they could take up residence in a car engine at any time, anecdotal reports suggest the phenomenon may be occurring more frequently now because of the effects of the coronavirus lockdown.Rats like it in there, and while they could take up residence in a car engine at any time, anecdotal reports suggest the phenomenon may be occurring more frequently now because of the effects of the coronavirus lockdown.
Michael H. Parsons, a visiting research scholar at Fordham University who studies the city rats of New York, said that car engines evoked rats’ ancestral homes: dark, warm burrows with easy access to chewable roots. (The common brown rat appears to have arrived in North America around 1775, perhaps when European ships docked at Manhattan’s South Street Seaport; the species is believed to have originated in Asia.)Michael H. Parsons, a visiting research scholar at Fordham University who studies the city rats of New York, said that car engines evoked rats’ ancestral homes: dark, warm burrows with easy access to chewable roots. (The common brown rat appears to have arrived in North America around 1775, perhaps when European ships docked at Manhattan’s South Street Seaport; the species is believed to have originated in Asia.)
To rats, said Dr. Parsons, vehicular-wiring systems are “surrogate roots.” Not because they provide the moisture or nutrient access of real roots, but because they somewhat resemble them and are chewable.To rats, said Dr. Parsons, vehicular-wiring systems are “surrogate roots.” Not because they provide the moisture or nutrient access of real roots, but because they somewhat resemble them and are chewable.
Rats “get a certain amount of comfort by just chewing,” said Michael Deutsch, an urban entomologist and the technical director of the Arrow Exterminating Company, headquartered on Long Island.Rats “get a certain amount of comfort by just chewing,” said Michael Deutsch, an urban entomologist and the technical director of the Arrow Exterminating Company, headquartered on Long Island.
Rats must gnaw, and constantly, because their sharp, hard incisors grow continuously throughout their lives — around four or five inches a year.Rats must gnaw, and constantly, because their sharp, hard incisors grow continuously throughout their lives — around four or five inches a year.
“If they don’t keep them trimmed,” Mr. Deutsch said, “they might not be able to open or close their jaw.”“If they don’t keep them trimmed,” Mr. Deutsch said, “they might not be able to open or close their jaw.”
While rat infestations in car engines are not rare occurrences, researchers are attempting to determine whether they are increasing in areas where rats’ usual food and harborage sites have been disrupted by pandemic distancing efforts. A restaurant that is no longer serving food to humans is also no longer producing large quantities of human food garbage — sustenance for city rats.While rat infestations in car engines are not rare occurrences, researchers are attempting to determine whether they are increasing in areas where rats’ usual food and harborage sites have been disrupted by pandemic distancing efforts. A restaurant that is no longer serving food to humans is also no longer producing large quantities of human food garbage — sustenance for city rats.
Updated June 5, 2020Updated June 5, 2020
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
You might decrease the odds of harboring rats in your car, Dr. Parsons said, by avoiding parking over sewers and drainage catch basins “as rats utilize these to move above and below ground.” He also recommended starting your car and moving it from time to time, and inspecting under your car’s hood “for obvious gnawings and rat droppings.”You might decrease the odds of harboring rats in your car, Dr. Parsons said, by avoiding parking over sewers and drainage catch basins “as rats utilize these to move above and below ground.” He also recommended starting your car and moving it from time to time, and inspecting under your car’s hood “for obvious gnawings and rat droppings.”
However, his primary concern when it comes to rodents and coronavirus is less car-specific than rat-general: that people will overlook rat control while preoccupied with airborne virus transmission.However, his primary concern when it comes to rodents and coronavirus is less car-specific than rat-general: that people will overlook rat control while preoccupied with airborne virus transmission.
It’s Tuesday — roll with it.It’s Tuesday — roll with it.
Dear Diary:Dear Diary:
It was a chilly winter day. I had taken my baby for a walk in spite of the huge piles of dirty snow that a recent blizzard had left behind.It was a chilly winter day. I had taken my baby for a walk in spite of the huge piles of dirty snow that a recent blizzard had left behind.
At one point, we waited more than 10 minutes to cross the street because cars were moving so slowly through the slush and I was worried about crossing the icy pavement while carrying my infant son.At one point, we waited more than 10 minutes to cross the street because cars were moving so slowly through the slush and I was worried about crossing the icy pavement while carrying my infant son.
A man who was shoveling snow in front of his house watched us standing there freezing in the cold. Suddenly, he put down his shovel, got into his car, started it up and backed out of his driveway, blocking traffic in both directions.A man who was shoveling snow in front of his house watched us standing there freezing in the cold. Suddenly, he put down his shovel, got into his car, started it up and backed out of his driveway, blocking traffic in both directions.
He motioned for me to cross. I did, gratefully.He motioned for me to cross. I did, gratefully.
After I reached the other side of the street, the man pulled back into his driveway, turned off the car, got out and resumed shoveling.After I reached the other side of the street, the man pulled back into his driveway, turned off the car, got out and resumed shoveling.
When I thanked him, he just shrugged.When I thanked him, he just shrugged.
— Catherine Burns— Catherine Burns
New York Today is published weekdays around 6 a.m. Sign up here to get it by email. You can also find it at nytoday.com.New York Today is published weekdays around 6 a.m. Sign up here to get it by email. You can also find it at nytoday.com.
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