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| Protesters Say the Police Use Social Distancing to Justify Crackdown | Protesters Say the Police Use Social Distancing to Justify Crackdown |
| (3 days later) | |
| Ann Northrop has not left her home often during the coronavirus epidemic. “I’m old,” the 72-year-old from Manhattan said. “I don’t want to get sick.” | Ann Northrop has not left her home often during the coronavirus epidemic. “I’m old,” the 72-year-old from Manhattan said. “I don’t want to get sick.” |
| But Ms. Northrop still showed up to a small protest on Sunday to criticize New York officials for allowing a religious organization that opposes gay rights to treat coronavirus patients. She felt safe, she said, because her fellow protesters wore face coverings and stood several feet apart. | But Ms. Northrop still showed up to a small protest on Sunday to criticize New York officials for allowing a religious organization that opposes gay rights to treat coronavirus patients. She felt safe, she said, because her fellow protesters wore face coverings and stood several feet apart. |
| The police, however, did not see it that way. Officers ordered the protesters at First Avenue and 16th Street to disband and gave Ms. Northrop a summons, saying the demonstrators had violated social distancing rules laid out in executive orders from the mayor and the governor. | The police, however, did not see it that way. Officers ordered the protesters at First Avenue and 16th Street to disband and gave Ms. Northrop a summons, saying the demonstrators had violated social distancing rules laid out in executive orders from the mayor and the governor. |
| “They are trying to shut down this message,” Ms. Northrop said into a microphone after the police arrived. | “They are trying to shut down this message,” Ms. Northrop said into a microphone after the police arrived. |
| The episode highlighted a challenge for activists participating in traditional protests: how to gather, and draw attention, while keeping a safe distance from one another and onlookers? | The episode highlighted a challenge for activists participating in traditional protests: how to gather, and draw attention, while keeping a safe distance from one another and onlookers? |
| Some civil rights lawyers fear that social distancing rules could also be used as an excuse to curtail free speech. | Some civil rights lawyers fear that social distancing rules could also be used as an excuse to curtail free speech. |
| Similar issues have been raised with other recent protests across the country, many involving demonstrators who refuse to wear masks or to maintain social distancing. | Similar issues have been raised with other recent protests across the country, many involving demonstrators who refuse to wear masks or to maintain social distancing. |
| In New York, enforcement has not been uniform. In early April, a handful of nurses gathered outside Harlem Hospital to protest a lack of personal protective equipment, standing six apart. In Albany, protesters have routinely gathered outside the capital to protest Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s refusal to open up New York’s economy without being told to disperse. | In New York, enforcement has not been uniform. In early April, a handful of nurses gathered outside Harlem Hospital to protest a lack of personal protective equipment, standing six apart. In Albany, protesters have routinely gathered outside the capital to protest Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s refusal to open up New York’s economy without being told to disperse. |
| Dermot F. Shea, the police commissioner, defended his officers’ actions on Sunday, saying they had been enforcing executive orders intended to “keep people alive.” | Dermot F. Shea, the police commissioner, defended his officers’ actions on Sunday, saying they had been enforcing executive orders intended to “keep people alive.” |
| “So while we greatly, greatly respect the right of people to protest, there should not be protests taking place in the middle of a pandemic by gathering outside and putting people at risk,” he said on Monday. | “So while we greatly, greatly respect the right of people to protest, there should not be protests taking place in the middle of a pandemic by gathering outside and putting people at risk,” he said on Monday. |
| Mayor Bill de Blasio also said on Monday that dispersing the protesters was necessary to protect lives. | Mayor Bill de Blasio also said on Monday that dispersing the protesters was necessary to protect lives. |
| “People who want to make their voices heard, there’s plenty of ways to do it without gathering in person,” Mr. de Blasio told reporters the following day. He encouraged people to “use all the other tools you have to get your point across but avoid anything that might put other people in harm’s way.” | “People who want to make their voices heard, there’s plenty of ways to do it without gathering in person,” Mr. de Blasio told reporters the following day. He encouraged people to “use all the other tools you have to get your point across but avoid anything that might put other people in harm’s way.” |
| The news conference and demonstration on Sunday took place near Mount Sinai Beth Israel hospital and lasted 15 minutes. It was organized by the Reclaim Pride Coalition, and members of a second group, Rise and Resist, also participated. About a dozen people took part. | The news conference and demonstration on Sunday took place near Mount Sinai Beth Israel hospital and lasted 15 minutes. It was organized by the Reclaim Pride Coalition, and members of a second group, Rise and Resist, also participated. About a dozen people took part. |
| They were criticizing the mayor, governor and Mount Sinai Health Systems for welcoming Samaritan’s Purse, a evangelical organization that had operated a field hospital in Central Park for Covid-19 patients, into New York. | They were criticizing the mayor, governor and Mount Sinai Health Systems for welcoming Samaritan’s Purse, a evangelical organization that had operated a field hospital in Central Park for Covid-19 patients, into New York. |
| Video from the event shows a New York police official, in a white shirt and a mask, using a bullhorn. “This gathering is unlawful and you are ordered to disperse,” he told the group. “Gatherings of any kind have been prohibited by the governor and by the mayor.” | Video from the event shows a New York police official, in a white shirt and a mask, using a bullhorn. “This gathering is unlawful and you are ordered to disperse,” he told the group. “Gatherings of any kind have been prohibited by the governor and by the mayor.” |
| Ms. Northrop, who only minutes earlier had warned another person at the gathering to keep his distance, was the only one to receive a summons for “violating an emergency measure by the mayor.” | Ms. Northrop, who only minutes earlier had warned another person at the gathering to keep his distance, was the only one to receive a summons for “violating an emergency measure by the mayor.” |
| The coronavirus outbreak has sickened more than 171,000 people in New York City and has killed at least 13,000 of them. To limit the spread of the disease, Mr. Cuomo and Mr. de Blasio have taken draconian steps, closing schools and “non-essential” businesses. | The coronavirus outbreak has sickened more than 171,000 people in New York City and has killed at least 13,000 of them. To limit the spread of the disease, Mr. Cuomo and Mr. de Blasio have taken draconian steps, closing schools and “non-essential” businesses. |
| Updated June 5, 2020 | Updated 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. |
| The governor also has ordered New York City’s subway system be closed for several hours each night for cleaning and to offer help to homeless people who have taken refuge in the transit system. | The governor also has ordered New York City’s subway system be closed for several hours each night for cleaning and to offer help to homeless people who have taken refuge in the transit system. |
| Mr. Cuomo also signed an executive order in late March banning “non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason.” Those included “parties, celebrations or other social events.” On March 25, Mr. de Blasio signed a similar order. | Mr. Cuomo also signed an executive order in late March banning “non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason.” Those included “parties, celebrations or other social events.” On March 25, Mr. de Blasio signed a similar order. |
| For activists like Bill Dobbs, an attorney and member of Reclaim Pride, the order to disperse was unconstitutional because people were allowed to be in the street as long as they remained six feet apart. “If people can move around on the sidewalk, the First Amendment in still intact,” he said. | For activists like Bill Dobbs, an attorney and member of Reclaim Pride, the order to disperse was unconstitutional because people were allowed to be in the street as long as they remained six feet apart. “If people can move around on the sidewalk, the First Amendment in still intact,” he said. |
| Linda Sarsour, one of the organizers of the Women’s March in Washington, said even during a pandemic “the mayor and governor do not have the authority to violate our constitutional rights — there are still laws they need to follow, too.” | Linda Sarsour, one of the organizers of the Women’s March in Washington, said even during a pandemic “the mayor and governor do not have the authority to violate our constitutional rights — there are still laws they need to follow, too.” |
| Norman Siegel, a veteran civil rights lawyer, sent a letter Tuesday to Mr. Cuomo and Mr. de Blasio urging them to rescind parts of their executive orders that curtail news conferences and protests where participants wear face coverings and maintain appropriate distances. | Norman Siegel, a veteran civil rights lawyer, sent a letter Tuesday to Mr. Cuomo and Mr. de Blasio urging them to rescind parts of their executive orders that curtail news conferences and protests where participants wear face coverings and maintain appropriate distances. |
| In the letter, Mr. Siegel wrote that government officials “have a strong interest in protecting the health and safety of New Yorkers” but cannot constitutionally ban or suspend freedom of speech and assembly. | In the letter, Mr. Siegel wrote that government officials “have a strong interest in protecting the health and safety of New Yorkers” but cannot constitutionally ban or suspend freedom of speech and assembly. |
| “This could set a very alarming trend around the country,” he said in an interview. | “This could set a very alarming trend around the country,” he said in an interview. |
| A spokeswoman for the mayor, Olivia Lapeyrolerie, however, said the police would continue to break up large gatherings, whether in parks or on street corners. “This pandemic has killed at least 13,000 New Yorkers, and will not be treated as business as usual,” she said in a statement. “That is our responsibility to New Yorkers and we take it incredibly seriously.” | A spokeswoman for the mayor, Olivia Lapeyrolerie, however, said the police would continue to break up large gatherings, whether in parks or on street corners. “This pandemic has killed at least 13,000 New Yorkers, and will not be treated as business as usual,” she said in a statement. “That is our responsibility to New Yorkers and we take it incredibly seriously.” |