This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/06/nyregion/nyc-subway-close-coronavirus.html

The article has changed 31 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 7 Version 8
Subway Shutdown: New York Closes System for First Time in 115 Years Subway Shutdown: New York Closes System for First Time in 115 Years
(about 1 hour later)
At the Stillwell Avenue station in Coney Island, Brooklyn, over a dozen police officers waited on the platform early Wednesday for trains on the F line to arrive. As one train pulled in at 12:43 a.m., transit agency outreach workers and social workers walked onto the cars, cajoling homeless riders to leave their temporary shelter.At the Stillwell Avenue station in Coney Island, Brooklyn, over a dozen police officers waited on the platform early Wednesday for trains on the F line to arrive. As one train pulled in at 12:43 a.m., transit agency outreach workers and social workers walked onto the cars, cajoling homeless riders to leave their temporary shelter.
Overhead an announcement echoed through the vast station: “Last stop on arriving train. No passengers, please.”Overhead an announcement echoed through the vast station: “Last stop on arriving train. No passengers, please.”
It was a moment that New York City’s subway had never before experienced: the first planned overnight shutdown since the system opened 115 years ago.It was a moment that New York City’s subway had never before experienced: the first planned overnight shutdown since the system opened 115 years ago.
But with the city still in the grip of the coronavirus pandemic, the subway will remain closed from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. for the foreseeable future to provide more time to thoroughly disinfect trains, stations and equipment.But with the city still in the grip of the coronavirus pandemic, the subway will remain closed from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. for the foreseeable future to provide more time to thoroughly disinfect trains, stations and equipment.
The shutdown reflects the enormous challenge officials face in ensuring that the subway is safe enough to lure back leery riders, even as the system reels from a deadly outbreak that has ravaged New York and crippled its public transit network.The shutdown reflects the enormous challenge officials face in ensuring that the subway is safe enough to lure back leery riders, even as the system reels from a deadly outbreak that has ravaged New York and crippled its public transit network.
No other American city in normal times relies as much on public transit and restoring the subway is essential to New York’s recovery.No other American city in normal times relies as much on public transit and restoring the subway is essential to New York’s recovery.
Since March, the virus has sent ridership plummeting by more than 90 percent, killed at least 109 transit workers, starved the authority of its usual revenue streams and prompted an influx of homeless people seeking refuge on mostly empty trains.Since March, the virus has sent ridership plummeting by more than 90 percent, killed at least 109 transit workers, starved the authority of its usual revenue streams and prompted an influx of homeless people seeking refuge on mostly empty trains.
“We’re in an unprecedented moment in the history of our city,” Patrick J. Foye, the chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, said at a news conference late Tuesday night. “The reason we’re taking this extraordinary, unprecedented action is to protect the safety and public health of our customers and our employees.”“We’re in an unprecedented moment in the history of our city,” Patrick J. Foye, the chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, said at a news conference late Tuesday night. “The reason we’re taking this extraordinary, unprecedented action is to protect the safety and public health of our customers and our employees.”
Still, the closing leaves an indelible mark on a city long defined by its round-the-clock hustle and unending energy.Still, the closing leaves an indelible mark on a city long defined by its round-the-clock hustle and unending energy.
Since the 1880s, New Yorkers have ridden public transit at all hours of the day and night on street trolleys, moving underground in 1904 to the city’s first subway line connecting Lower Manhattan and Harlem.Since the 1880s, New Yorkers have ridden public transit at all hours of the day and night on street trolleys, moving underground in 1904 to the city’s first subway line connecting Lower Manhattan and Harlem.
At that time, the 24-hour service carried crowds of workers from manufacturing plants and port docks who, even in the wee hours, proved lucrative to the private companies that once ran the system.At that time, the 24-hour service carried crowds of workers from manufacturing plants and port docks who, even in the wee hours, proved lucrative to the private companies that once ran the system.
In the decades that followed, the constant movement of people shaped the growing metropolis. The steady pulse of the city’s underground arteries fueled New York’s economic expansion and enabled the lifestyle that sparked its clichéd reputation as an insomniac city.In the decades that followed, the constant movement of people shaped the growing metropolis. The steady pulse of the city’s underground arteries fueled New York’s economic expansion and enabled the lifestyle that sparked its clichéd reputation as an insomniac city.
But in the wake of a catastrophic virus, even this mainstay of New York life has not been spared. Early Wednesday, as transit workers locked turnstiles and police officers taped off station entrances, the outbreak’s lasting blow to the city was immortalized for the millions of New Yorkers who have trudged onto a late-night train.But in the wake of a catastrophic virus, even this mainstay of New York life has not been spared. Early Wednesday, as transit workers locked turnstiles and police officers taped off station entrances, the outbreak’s lasting blow to the city was immortalized for the millions of New Yorkers who have trudged onto a late-night train.
Across the system, the complicated task of shutting the system played out in nearly every station: Often confused early-morning riders endeavored to find other ways of getting to work. Police officers and social workers attempted to coax sometimes agitated homeless people off the subway. And crews of cleaners clamored to thoroughly disinfect the rolling stock and stations before the system reopened.Across the system, the complicated task of shutting the system played out in nearly every station: Often confused early-morning riders endeavored to find other ways of getting to work. Police officers and social workers attempted to coax sometimes agitated homeless people off the subway. And crews of cleaners clamored to thoroughly disinfect the rolling stock and stations before the system reopened.
Just before 1 a.m. at the Wakefield-241st Street station in the Bronx, outreach workers from the city’s Department of Homeless Services tried to persuade homeless people in the station to leave for a shelter.Just before 1 a.m. at the Wakefield-241st Street station in the Bronx, outreach workers from the city’s Department of Homeless Services tried to persuade homeless people in the station to leave for a shelter.
One man in a hooded sweatshirt refused help, pleading with them to let him stay.One man in a hooded sweatshirt refused help, pleading with them to let him stay.
“You can’t do this to me,” the man cried. “I want to get back on the train.”“You can’t do this to me,” the man cried. “I want to get back on the train.”
“Please get me back on the train,” he said, his voice breaking. A police officer directed him instead to the Bx42 bus stop on the street below.“Please get me back on the train,” he said, his voice breaking. A police officer directed him instead to the Bx42 bus stop on the street below.
His experience echoed concerns from advocates that the subway closure will leave an already vulnerable population even more exposed.His experience echoed concerns from advocates that the subway closure will leave an already vulnerable population even more exposed.
“Without the offer of a safe, private room, most people are going to be displaced into the streets, where they are going to be more vulnerable than they were on the subway,” said Josh Dean, executive director of Human.nyc, a policy organization that focuses on homelessness.“Without the offer of a safe, private room, most people are going to be displaced into the streets, where they are going to be more vulnerable than they were on the subway,” said Josh Dean, executive director of Human.nyc, a policy organization that focuses on homelessness.
Around the same time, a homeless rider at the Stillwell Avenue station in Coney Island took up the offer from outreach workers to be steered to a shelter.Around the same time, a homeless rider at the Stillwell Avenue station in Coney Island took up the offer from outreach workers to be steered to a shelter.
The rider, Stephen Bell, 33, said he had lost his job as an environmental researcher a week ago and soon afterward his home in Queens. Three weeks ago, he also tested positive for Covid-19.The rider, Stephen Bell, 33, said he had lost his job as an environmental researcher a week ago and soon afterward his home in Queens. Three weeks ago, he also tested positive for Covid-19.
With just a blanket tucked under his arm, Mr. Bell followed social workers out of the station.With just a blanket tucked under his arm, Mr. Bell followed social workers out of the station.
“They were really polite about it,” he said of the outreach workers, adding, “Staying out all night on the subway is much worse” than the coronavirus.“They were really polite about it,” he said of the outreach workers, adding, “Staying out all night on the subway is much worse” than the coronavirus.
As social workers cleared stragglers from platforms and cleaners flooded into cars, the man charged with orchestrating the shutdown, Hugo Zamora, stared intently at a live map of each train from his perch at the agency’s Rail Control Center in Manhattan.As social workers cleared stragglers from platforms and cleaners flooded into cars, the man charged with orchestrating the shutdown, Hugo Zamora, stared intently at a live map of each train from his perch at the agency’s Rail Control Center in Manhattan.
There, a digital screen the width of a football field shows brightly lit rectangles depicting trains in real time as they prattle along a map of the tracks across the city. Dispatchers, who control the movement of trains, called out radio dispatches to crews between sharp clatters of static.There, a digital screen the width of a football field shows brightly lit rectangles depicting trains in real time as they prattle along a map of the tracks across the city. Dispatchers, who control the movement of trains, called out radio dispatches to crews between sharp clatters of static.
Mr. Zamora, a transit veteran who has been nicknamed the Shutdown Czar by some colleagues, explained that the sheer scope of the system makes bringing it offline a complicated process.Mr. Zamora, a transit veteran who has been nicknamed the Shutdown Czar by some colleagues, explained that the sheer scope of the system makes bringing it offline a complicated process.
For instance, on the system’s longest lines, the final trains of the night were departing from the first station around 12:19 a.m. and would not reach the end of the line until 2:09 a.m.For instance, on the system’s longest lines, the final trains of the night were departing from the first station around 12:19 a.m. and would not reach the end of the line until 2:09 a.m.
On Wednesday, the final passenger train to leave the system — a southbound No. 2 train — arrived at its last station at 2:12 a.m., four minutes late.On Wednesday, the final passenger train to leave the system — a southbound No. 2 train — arrived at its last station at 2:12 a.m., four minutes late.
Updated June 5, 2020Updated June 5, 2020
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.
“Not bad, not bad, yes it’s a little tardy,” Mr. Zamora said.“Not bad, not bad, yes it’s a little tardy,” Mr. Zamora said.
By then, riders who were not already on the subway were trying to find other ways to get to work. Many turned to the bus network, which has been bolstered to accommodate the roughly 11,000 riders who have relied on late night subway service in recent weeks.By then, riders who were not already on the subway were trying to find other ways to get to work. Many turned to the bus network, which has been bolstered to accommodate the roughly 11,000 riders who have relied on late night subway service in recent weeks.
The transit agency has added 1,168 nightly bus trips — a 76 percent increase from the usual nightly bus schedules — and put 344 additional buses on the road, officials said. Buses were expected to arrive at stops every 15 or 30 minutes, similar to recent train schedules.The transit agency has added 1,168 nightly bus trips — a 76 percent increase from the usual nightly bus schedules — and put 344 additional buses on the road, officials said. Buses were expected to arrive at stops every 15 or 30 minutes, similar to recent train schedules.
William Rodriguez, a lab tech at NewYork-Presbyterian/The Allen Hospital in northern Manhattan, was waiting to catch a northbound M15 bus from the Lower East Side when the bus went right by his stop.William Rodriguez, a lab tech at NewYork-Presbyterian/The Allen Hospital in northern Manhattan, was waiting to catch a northbound M15 bus from the Lower East Side when the bus went right by his stop.
He was saved, he said, by a police officer who saw what happened and gave him a ride in his cruiser. They overtook the bus and Mr. Rodriguez was able to board at another stop.He was saved, he said, by a police officer who saw what happened and gave him a ride in his cruiser. They overtook the bus and Mr. Rodriguez was able to board at another stop.
“It was that or go back home,” said Mr. Rodriguez, who normally takes two trains to get to work. “I never use the bus, always the trains,” he added.“It was that or go back home,” said Mr. Rodriguez, who normally takes two trains to get to work. “I never use the bus, always the trains,” he added.
Around the same time, Yussef Said was waiting for a southbound M15 bus from his Upper East Side neighborhood. He had started working a 6 a.m. shift at an Amazon warehouse on Staten Island a month ago and had counted on catching the No. 6 train to the Staten Island Ferry — a plan that was upended by the subway shutdown.Around the same time, Yussef Said was waiting for a southbound M15 bus from his Upper East Side neighborhood. He had started working a 6 a.m. shift at an Amazon warehouse on Staten Island a month ago and had counted on catching the No. 6 train to the Staten Island Ferry — a plan that was upended by the subway shutdown.
On Wednesday morning, his goal was to make a 4:30 a.m. ferry.On Wednesday morning, his goal was to make a 4:30 a.m. ferry.
“I have to catch anything I can,” Mr. Said, 40, said. “I want to work.”“I have to catch anything I can,” Mr. Said, 40, said. “I want to work.”
By the time he reached the ferry, the subway system was beginning to come back to life. The crews of cleaners in Tyvek suits, shoe coverings, face masks and surgical gloves had swept through trains as they rolled into stations, mopping cars with cleanser before sending them to the train yards for more intense disinfection.By the time he reached the ferry, the subway system was beginning to come back to life. The crews of cleaners in Tyvek suits, shoe coverings, face masks and surgical gloves had swept through trains as they rolled into stations, mopping cars with cleanser before sending them to the train yards for more intense disinfection.
At 5 a.m. caution tape still hung across entrances to the Jay Street-Metro Tech subway station in Brooklyn.At 5 a.m. caution tape still hung across entrances to the Jay Street-Metro Tech subway station in Brooklyn.
Allan Harris, 61, a mason from Red Hook, Brooklyn, was en route to a 7 a.m. construction job in Far Rockaway, Queens. The shutdown had already forced him to take a bus to reach the station.Allan Harris, 61, a mason from Red Hook, Brooklyn, was en route to a 7 a.m. construction job in Far Rockaway, Queens. The shutdown had already forced him to take a bus to reach the station.
“I catch the 61, took it to come here,” he said referring to bus line, “but I need to move from here now, you know?” As he stood behind the tape, the sound of a train could be heard and with that, Mr. Allan maneuvered over the tape and was on his way.“I catch the 61, took it to come here,” he said referring to bus line, “but I need to move from here now, you know?” As he stood behind the tape, the sound of a train could be heard and with that, Mr. Allan maneuvered over the tape and was on his way.
Victor Blue, Jonah Markowitz, Azi Paybarah, Sean Piccoli and Nate Schweber contributed reporting.Victor Blue, Jonah Markowitz, Azi Paybarah, Sean Piccoli and Nate Schweber contributed reporting.