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What’s Going to Happen to Junior, Now That His Mother Is Dead? What’s Going to Happen to Junior, Now That His Mother Is Dead?
(3 days later)
Daysi Díaz, 65, was afraid to see a doctor, despite a fever that wouldn’t go away. If she was diagnosed with the coronavirus, she might have to be hospitalized. Who would look after her son, Junior?Daysi Díaz, 65, was afraid to see a doctor, despite a fever that wouldn’t go away. If she was diagnosed with the coronavirus, she might have to be hospitalized. Who would look after her son, Junior?
So Ms. Díaz stayed put in her ninth-floor apartment in a public housing project in Upper Manhattan, growing weaker. Relatives called her often to check in. During one such call in March, Ms. Díaz collapsed. In her final words, she called out for Junior. But he was in a deep sleep.So Ms. Díaz stayed put in her ninth-floor apartment in a public housing project in Upper Manhattan, growing weaker. Relatives called her often to check in. During one such call in March, Ms. Díaz collapsed. In her final words, she called out for Junior. But he was in a deep sleep.
After his mother’s death, Junior, who is 31 and has a developmental disability, was hospitalized and sent to a quarantine facility in Queens.After his mother’s death, Junior, who is 31 and has a developmental disability, was hospitalized and sent to a quarantine facility in Queens.
His stutter has worsened. He has struggled to make sense of his mother’s death, wondering if she is in heaven. And he has wrestled with anxiety, said his aunt, Carmen González, who is Ms. Díaz’s sister-in-law.His stutter has worsened. He has struggled to make sense of his mother’s death, wondering if she is in heaven. And he has wrestled with anxiety, said his aunt, Carmen González, who is Ms. Díaz’s sister-in-law.
“She thought she was going to live to take care of him,” Ms. González said.“She thought she was going to live to take care of him,” Ms. González said.
The toll wrought by the coronavirus is forcing some families to confront a wrenching question years before they believed it would be necessary: If a caretaker dies, who will care for disabled adult relatives?The toll wrought by the coronavirus is forcing some families to confront a wrenching question years before they believed it would be necessary: If a caretaker dies, who will care for disabled adult relatives?
“As Covid-19 sweeps across our city and nation, a lot of parents are coming to the realization that they aren’t going to be here forever and they need a plan,” Jonathan Novick, an outreach manager with the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, wrote in an email.“As Covid-19 sweeps across our city and nation, a lot of parents are coming to the realization that they aren’t going to be here forever and they need a plan,” Jonathan Novick, an outreach manager with the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, wrote in an email.
Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities have been hit particularly hard by the coronavirus, which has torn through group homes. But the virus also poses a threat to adults with these disabilities who still live with their aging parents.Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities have been hit particularly hard by the coronavirus, which has torn through group homes. But the virus also poses a threat to adults with these disabilities who still live with their aging parents.
“We are going to see more and more cases like this one,” said Dominic Sisti, an assistant professor of medical ethics at the University of Pennsylvania.“We are going to see more and more cases like this one,” said Dominic Sisti, an assistant professor of medical ethics at the University of Pennsylvania.
While there’s no indication Ms. Díaz was ever tested for the coronavirus, Junior was recently diagnosed with a mild case of Covid-19, so it seems likely that his mother also died of the illness caused by the virus, Ms. González said.While there’s no indication Ms. Díaz was ever tested for the coronavirus, Junior was recently diagnosed with a mild case of Covid-19, so it seems likely that his mother also died of the illness caused by the virus, Ms. González said.
Initially, that made finding a new home for Junior more difficult. But in recent days, a family friend has taken Junior in.Initially, that made finding a new home for Junior more difficult. But in recent days, a family friend has taken Junior in.
Junior had lived with his mother for the past decade. An immigrant from Honduras, Ms. Díaz worked as a seamstress and later as a home health aide, before injuring her back lifting a patient.Junior had lived with his mother for the past decade. An immigrant from Honduras, Ms. Díaz worked as a seamstress and later as a home health aide, before injuring her back lifting a patient.
Ms. Díaz was often vague when describing her son’s disability to relatives. But his aunt, Ms. González, said she believed he was on the autism spectrum. A health care provider directly involved in Junior’s care confirmed that to be the case.Ms. Díaz was often vague when describing her son’s disability to relatives. But his aunt, Ms. González, said she believed he was on the autism spectrum. A health care provider directly involved in Junior’s care confirmed that to be the case.
The family did not make Junior available for an interview because Ms. González said it might confuse him and leave him unsettled.The family did not make Junior available for an interview because Ms. González said it might confuse him and leave him unsettled.
His father was not involved in his life, according to Ms. González. Junior spent his childhood in institutions after showing aggressive behavior at age 5 or 6, she said.His father was not involved in his life, according to Ms. González. Junior spent his childhood in institutions after showing aggressive behavior at age 5 or 6, she said.
“He went from one place to another,” said Ms. González, who is a retired teacher. “His mom would go everywhere he went, all the time to visit.”“He went from one place to another,” said Ms. González, who is a retired teacher. “His mom would go everywhere he went, all the time to visit.”
He returned home around age 21, at which point Ms. Díaz became her son’s caregiver. It was often difficult. Tantrums often sent him onto the floor, where he would pound the ground with his fists. But with his mother’s help, he began to exercise some independence.He returned home around age 21, at which point Ms. Díaz became her son’s caregiver. It was often difficult. Tantrums often sent him onto the floor, where he would pound the ground with his fists. But with his mother’s help, he began to exercise some independence.
He loved to look through coupons and fliers left in lobbies, always searching for a bargain. His mother would send him out shopping, an outing that he enjoyed.He loved to look through coupons and fliers left in lobbies, always searching for a bargain. His mother would send him out shopping, an outing that he enjoyed.
His mother’s daily worry was that he would behave in a way a stranger found inappropriate and that things would spiral out of control.His mother’s daily worry was that he would behave in a way a stranger found inappropriate and that things would spiral out of control.
On March 21, Ms. Díaz developed a headache and then a high fever. Soon she was coughing so loudly the neighbors could hear it.On March 21, Ms. Díaz developed a headache and then a high fever. Soon she was coughing so loudly the neighbors could hear it.
At the time, hospitals were inundated with Covid-19 patients. The city was urging sick people to stay at home, if possible. Ms. González said she received little guidance after calling 311 seeking help for her sister-in-law. “Don’t go to the emergency room,” Ms. González recalled the operator telling her.At the time, hospitals were inundated with Covid-19 patients. The city was urging sick people to stay at home, if possible. Ms. González said she received little guidance after calling 311 seeking help for her sister-in-law. “Don’t go to the emergency room,” Ms. González recalled the operator telling her.
Still, Ms. González urged her sister-in-law to try an urgent care center. But Ms. Díaz was too weak to get anywhere on her own. She wasn’t sure whether she had the flu or the coronavirus, but she was scared to find out.Still, Ms. González urged her sister-in-law to try an urgent care center. But Ms. Díaz was too weak to get anywhere on her own. She wasn’t sure whether she had the flu or the coronavirus, but she was scared to find out.
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.
“Truthfully, she was afraid of having the virus, because she didn’t want to leave her son,” Ms. González said. “What’s going to happen to him, you know?”“Truthfully, she was afraid of having the virus, because she didn’t want to leave her son,” Ms. González said. “What’s going to happen to him, you know?”
On the morning of March 31, Ms. Díaz was on the phone with an aunt when she began to call out for Junior. Then the phone fell to the ground. Ms. Díaz had collapsed, according to Ms. González.On the morning of March 31, Ms. Díaz was on the phone with an aunt when she began to call out for Junior. Then the phone fell to the ground. Ms. Díaz had collapsed, according to Ms. González.
An ambulance crew arrived and tried to resuscitate her but failed. . Hours later, Junior was later taken by ambulance to NewYork-Presbyterian Columbia University Medical Center, near his home in the Dyckman houses. There was nowhere else to take him.An ambulance crew arrived and tried to resuscitate her but failed. . Hours later, Junior was later taken by ambulance to NewYork-Presbyterian Columbia University Medical Center, near his home in the Dyckman houses. There was nowhere else to take him.
Ms. González, 72, who is raising her 6-year-old grandson and also cares for an older sister, said she wanted to take Junior in, “but my hands are totally tied.”Ms. González, 72, who is raising her 6-year-old grandson and also cares for an older sister, said she wanted to take Junior in, “but my hands are totally tied.”
In early April, Junior tested positive for Covid-19, though he showed only mild symptoms, Ms. González said. He spent several weeks at the John A. Cook Center in Queens, a facility that ordinarily runs programs for adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities but is now being used as a quarantine center for disabled adults with Covid-19.In early April, Junior tested positive for Covid-19, though he showed only mild symptoms, Ms. González said. He spent several weeks at the John A. Cook Center in Queens, a facility that ordinarily runs programs for adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities but is now being used as a quarantine center for disabled adults with Covid-19.
He passed the time watching documentaries. In phone calls with his aunt, Junior often brought up his mother.He passed the time watching documentaries. In phone calls with his aunt, Junior often brought up his mother.
“My mother was a loving mother and took good care of me,” he said, according to Ms. González.“My mother was a loving mother and took good care of me,” he said, according to Ms. González.
But the conversations also were unpredictable.But the conversations also were unpredictable.
“Why don’t they call 911 to put out the fire in hell?” he asked his aunt once. She said she steered the conversation back to heaven, explaining that if he was good he’d end up there with his mother.“Why don’t they call 911 to put out the fire in hell?” he asked his aunt once. She said she steered the conversation back to heaven, explaining that if he was good he’d end up there with his mother.
In early April, a family friend who has a son with special needs agreed to take in Junior. But Junior’s Covid-19 diagnosis led to a delay of several weeks.In early April, a family friend who has a son with special needs agreed to take in Junior. But Junior’s Covid-19 diagnosis led to a delay of several weeks.
Then last week, with Junior appearing healthier, he moved in with the family friend at her home in Yonkers. So far it has been a good fit, Ms. González said.Then last week, with Junior appearing healthier, he moved in with the family friend at her home in Yonkers. So far it has been a good fit, Ms. González said.
In recent phone calls with his aunt, Junior has started to grieve more openly.In recent phone calls with his aunt, Junior has started to grieve more openly.
“He asked me if it was OK to cry because his mom died,” Ms. González recalled last week. “I told him that it’s OK and that he did not have to hold his feelings inside.”“He asked me if it was OK to cry because his mom died,” Ms. González recalled last week. “I told him that it’s OK and that he did not have to hold his feelings inside.”