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Why the Path to Reopening New York City Will Be So Difficult Why the Path to Reopening New York City Will Be So Difficult
(about 13 hours later)
The factors that made the city one of the hardest hit on the planet — its density, mass transit and tourism — complicate a return to normalcy.The factors that made the city one of the hardest hit on the planet — its density, mass transit and tourism — complicate a return to normalcy.
By J. David Goodman and Michael RothfeldBy J. David Goodman and Michael Rothfeld
Nearly 190,000 people were tested for the coronavirus in New York City over the past two weeks, a record number. The increase in testing, crucial for curbing the outbreak, came as Mayor Bill de Blasio announced plans to hire a small army of 1,000 disease detectives to track down the contacts of every infected New Yorker.Nearly 190,000 people were tested for the coronavirus in New York City over the past two weeks, a record number. The increase in testing, crucial for curbing the outbreak, came as Mayor Bill de Blasio announced plans to hire a small army of 1,000 disease detectives to track down the contacts of every infected New Yorker.
The city is also paying for hotels to house people who cannot quarantine in their cramped apartments, and it may use the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens for the same purpose.The city is also paying for hotels to house people who cannot quarantine in their cramped apartments, and it may use the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens for the same purpose.
From the State Capitol, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has established a framework for reopening the state, based on seven concrete, health-related milestones, and he has asked Bill Gates, the restaurateur Danny Meyer, the New York Knicks owner James L. Dolan and dozens of other outside advisers from the upper echelons of New York’s business world to help guide him on how best to restart the economy and, possibly, reimagine public education.From the State Capitol, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has established a framework for reopening the state, based on seven concrete, health-related milestones, and he has asked Bill Gates, the restaurateur Danny Meyer, the New York Knicks owner James L. Dolan and dozens of other outside advisers from the upper echelons of New York’s business world to help guide him on how best to restart the economy and, possibly, reimagine public education.
Still, despite all the plans and initiatives, the reopening of New York City remains a long way off.Still, despite all the plans and initiatives, the reopening of New York City remains a long way off.
The factors that made the city the U.S. epicenter of the pandemic — its density, tourism and dependence on mass transit — complicate a return to any semblance of normalcy. The city is still far from meeting the public health metrics necessary to reopen, from available critical-care beds to new hospital admissions for the virus.The factors that made the city the U.S. epicenter of the pandemic — its density, tourism and dependence on mass transit — complicate a return to any semblance of normalcy. The city is still far from meeting the public health metrics necessary to reopen, from available critical-care beds to new hospital admissions for the virus.
While states like Colorado, Georgia and Texas have let the stay-at-home orders lapse and businesses like nail salons and retail stores reopen, New York State is moving cautiously, anticipating a partial reopening later this month, mostly in rural areas.While states like Colorado, Georgia and Texas have let the stay-at-home orders lapse and businesses like nail salons and retail stores reopen, New York State is moving cautiously, anticipating a partial reopening later this month, mostly in rural areas.
How long might it take to restart New York City’s economy?How long might it take to restart New York City’s economy?
“Nobody can tell you,” Mr. Cuomo said last week.“Nobody can tell you,” Mr. Cuomo said last week.
The virus has killed more than 19,000 people in New York City, a death toll that exceeds those in all but a small number of countries, or in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan and Texas combined. While the outbreak is receding in the city, more than 1,000 new positive cases were reported on at least three days last week, for a total that now tops 181,000.The virus has killed more than 19,000 people in New York City, a death toll that exceeds those in all but a small number of countries, or in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan and Texas combined. While the outbreak is receding in the city, more than 1,000 new positive cases were reported on at least three days last week, for a total that now tops 181,000.
The key to reopening is containing the virus, and that will take a vast infrastructure of testing and contact tracing unlike anything the United States has ever seen, public health experts say.The key to reopening is containing the virus, and that will take a vast infrastructure of testing and contact tracing unlike anything the United States has ever seen, public health experts say.
Even when the new public health apparatus is fully staffed and running, it will merely lay a foundation for businesses and residents to feel safe returning to work and play. Many may choose to stay home.Even when the new public health apparatus is fully staffed and running, it will merely lay a foundation for businesses and residents to feel safe returning to work and play. Many may choose to stay home.
The decision about when to reopen involves a balancing act: The longer New York is shut down, the more the pandemic will abate, reducing the need for testing and contact tracing while allowing officials more time to expand those efforts. But the economic damage to the city and the state will continue to grow.The decision about when to reopen involves a balancing act: The longer New York is shut down, the more the pandemic will abate, reducing the need for testing and contact tracing while allowing officials more time to expand those efforts. But the economic damage to the city and the state will continue to grow.
More than 830,000 people have filed for unemployment in New York City alone since mid-March, when the shutdown began, according to state data.More than 830,000 people have filed for unemployment in New York City alone since mid-March, when the shutdown began, according to state data.
Mr. Cuomo said his metrics, in line with recommendations from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, would guide the state’s reopening, region by region, with the city almost certainly among the last to return.Mr. Cuomo said his metrics, in line with recommendations from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, would guide the state’s reopening, region by region, with the city almost certainly among the last to return.
A true reopening of the city, Mr. de Blasio said this month, remained “a few months away at minimum.”A true reopening of the city, Mr. de Blasio said this month, remained “a few months away at minimum.”
Plans for how to get there are still being created. A task force convened by the mayor held its first session via conference call late last month and it was a sobering “dose of realism,” according to Jennifer Jones Austin of the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies, who was on the call.Plans for how to get there are still being created. A task force convened by the mayor held its first session via conference call late last month and it was a sobering “dose of realism,” according to Jennifer Jones Austin of the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies, who was on the call.
Exactly two hotels are being used exclusively for isolation so far, though the city has said it could expand to as many as 11,000 beds. The 1,000 new contact tracers that are to be part of the effort will not be hired for weeks, and 1,500 more will be needed to meet Mr. Cuomo’s milestones. Testing capacity will not reach 50,000 a day until August at least, officials said. That number still may not be sufficient.Exactly two hotels are being used exclusively for isolation so far, though the city has said it could expand to as many as 11,000 beds. The 1,000 new contact tracers that are to be part of the effort will not be hired for weeks, and 1,500 more will be needed to meet Mr. Cuomo’s milestones. Testing capacity will not reach 50,000 a day until August at least, officials said. That number still may not be sufficient.
On Wednesday, when Mr. Cuomo’s panel of outside advisers held its first video meeting, it included no chief executives, little in the way of advice and no talk of how New York City would get back on its feet.On Wednesday, when Mr. Cuomo’s panel of outside advisers held its first video meeting, it included no chief executives, little in the way of advice and no talk of how New York City would get back on its feet.
Mr. de Blasio works from a mostly empty City Hall in Lower Manhattan with a skeleton staff, speaking to top officials in an endless series of teleconferences and secure video chats. Each day, the mayor has an early call on small decisions — how long to extend a moratorium on alternate-side-of-the-street parking rules, for example — and, later, one or two big discussions about the city’s future.Mr. de Blasio works from a mostly empty City Hall in Lower Manhattan with a skeleton staff, speaking to top officials in an endless series of teleconferences and secure video chats. Each day, the mayor has an early call on small decisions — how long to extend a moratorium on alternate-side-of-the-street parking rules, for example — and, later, one or two big discussions about the city’s future.
But some of the most urgent questions, such as how to handle the normal load of nearly six million daily subway riders, or how 1.1 million school children might actually return to classrooms, have yet to be answered by either the city or the state.But some of the most urgent questions, such as how to handle the normal load of nearly six million daily subway riders, or how 1.1 million school children might actually return to classrooms, have yet to be answered by either the city or the state.
Schools have been canceled for the rest of the academic year, and the city’s powerful teachers’ union, the United Federation of Teachers, has already said it would expect a system of widely available testing, contact tracing and cleaning to be ready and working before it would support reopening. The union has proposed experimenting with having school in split shifts, morning and afternoon.Schools have been canceled for the rest of the academic year, and the city’s powerful teachers’ union, the United Federation of Teachers, has already said it would expect a system of widely available testing, contact tracing and cleaning to be ready and working before it would support reopening. The union has proposed experimenting with having school in split shifts, morning and afternoon.
“Until the schools are open, a good subset of working New Yorkers cannot leave their homes,” said Alison Hirsh, a top adviser to Mr. de Blasio and one of several city officials, including deputy mayors Dean Fuleihan and Vicki Been, coordinating the reopening plans.“Until the schools are open, a good subset of working New Yorkers cannot leave their homes,” said Alison Hirsh, a top adviser to Mr. de Blasio and one of several city officials, including deputy mayors Dean Fuleihan and Vicki Been, coordinating the reopening plans.
“There’s an argument to be made that one of the reasons to keep the schools closed is to continue to force anyone who can work from home to continue to work from home,” Ms. Hirsh said. “That’s one way that you can slow down the reopening and help maintain a flatter curve.”“There’s an argument to be made that one of the reasons to keep the schools closed is to continue to force anyone who can work from home to continue to work from home,” Ms. Hirsh said. “That’s one way that you can slow down the reopening and help maintain a flatter curve.”
Mr. de Blasio has said he is planning to reopen schools in September.Mr. de Blasio has said he is planning to reopen schools in September.
Schools were included as part of the governor’s fourth and final phase of any region’s reopening, after restaurants and hotels.Schools were included as part of the governor’s fourth and final phase of any region’s reopening, after restaurants and hotels.
Restaurants are an easier problem to solve than schools because the state can rely on occupancy limits, said Jim Malatras, an adviser to the governor on the virus response. Whether restaurants can survive with those limits is an open question.Restaurants are an easier problem to solve than schools because the state can rely on occupancy limits, said Jim Malatras, an adviser to the governor on the virus response. Whether restaurants can survive with those limits is an open question.
When it comes to schools, Mr. Malatras said, the state had not “figured it out yet.”When it comes to schools, Mr. Malatras said, the state had not “figured it out yet.”
“This is a potential source of infection,” he said, citing the City University of New York as an example. “How do you do a lecture hall in CUNY? You can’t.”“This is a potential source of infection,” he said, citing the City University of New York as an example. “How do you do a lecture hall in CUNY? You can’t.”
At the State Capitol in Albany, Mr. Cuomo still holds his coronavirus meetings in person with a small group of close advisers, including Mr. Malatras, the president of SUNY Empire State College; Melissa DeRosa, the governor’s top aide; and the budget director, Robert Mujica.At the State Capitol in Albany, Mr. Cuomo still holds his coronavirus meetings in person with a small group of close advisers, including Mr. Malatras, the president of SUNY Empire State College; Melissa DeRosa, the governor’s top aide; and the budget director, Robert Mujica.
Much of Mr. Cuomo’s reopening planning for New York City has been led by two former top aides: Steven M. Cohen, general counsel at the investment firm MacAndrews & Forbes and William Mulrow, who now works at the private equity firm Blackstone.Much of Mr. Cuomo’s reopening planning for New York City has been led by two former top aides: Steven M. Cohen, general counsel at the investment firm MacAndrews & Forbes and William Mulrow, who now works at the private equity firm Blackstone.
Mr. Cohen and Mr. Mulrow have had dozens of one-on-one calls with business and real estate leaders, and they have been particularly interested in hearing from companies with operations in Asia, to learn how operations restarted there, according to two people who requested anonymity to discuss private conversations.Mr. Cohen and Mr. Mulrow have had dozens of one-on-one calls with business and real estate leaders, and they have been particularly interested in hearing from companies with operations in Asia, to learn how operations restarted there, according to two people who requested anonymity to discuss private conversations.
City and state officials speak frequently, but Mr. Cuomo appears interested in maintaining an upper hand, according to three people with knowledge of the communications. Most recently, his office did not alert City Hall about Mr. Cuomo’s reopening metrics before he detailed them publicly, though the benchmarks could determine the city’s near future.City and state officials speak frequently, but Mr. Cuomo appears interested in maintaining an upper hand, according to three people with knowledge of the communications. Most recently, his office did not alert City Hall about Mr. Cuomo’s reopening metrics before he detailed them publicly, though the benchmarks could determine the city’s near future.
The metrics, which included keeping new hospital admissions for virus infections under two per 100,000 residents on average over three days, do not bode well for New York City in the short term. As of early May, the city had more than twice that number.The metrics, which included keeping new hospital admissions for virus infections under two per 100,000 residents on average over three days, do not bode well for New York City in the short term. As of early May, the city had more than twice that number.
The city has achieved its own stated milestone for hospital admissions, seeing fewer than 200 new admissions for illness resembling Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus, for 10 straight days. But other goals, including reducing the number of patients in critical care and the percentage of positive coronavirus tests, have remained out of reach.The city has achieved its own stated milestone for hospital admissions, seeing fewer than 200 new admissions for illness resembling Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus, for 10 straight days. But other goals, including reducing the number of patients in critical care and the percentage of positive coronavirus tests, have remained out of reach.
“I can’t help but feel the challenge is more intense here than anywhere else in the United States,” said Dr. James Crawford, the senior vice president for laboratory services at Northwell Health, New York’s largest hospital system, who has led discussions about state efforts to vastly expand testing for virus antibodies.“I can’t help but feel the challenge is more intense here than anywhere else in the United States,” said Dr. James Crawford, the senior vice president for laboratory services at Northwell Health, New York’s largest hospital system, who has led discussions about state efforts to vastly expand testing for virus antibodies.
Far from reopening, the virus is still closing parts of New York as the summer months arrive. Pools. Beaches. Block parties. Concerts.Far from reopening, the virus is still closing parts of New York as the summer months arrive. Pools. Beaches. Block parties. Concerts.
Mr. de Blasio is working to close up 100 miles of city streets to make it easier for residents to practice social distancing. Mr. Cuomo ordered that city subways cease round-the-clock service, a practical change to clean cars and remove those sleeping in them, but one that struck at the very heart of New York’s up-all-night identity.Mr. de Blasio is working to close up 100 miles of city streets to make it easier for residents to practice social distancing. Mr. Cuomo ordered that city subways cease round-the-clock service, a practical change to clean cars and remove those sleeping in them, but one that struck at the very heart of New York’s up-all-night identity.
Top state and city officials are already contemplating the need for radically different routines, including transit systems with limits on occupancy for trains and buses. That could require staggered shifts for millions of workers.Top state and city officials are already contemplating the need for radically different routines, including transit systems with limits on occupancy for trains and buses. That could require staggered shifts for millions of workers.
“I don’t know that it’s going to be possible to have rush hours,” said Rick Cotton, the executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates commuter trains to and from Manhattan.“I don’t know that it’s going to be possible to have rush hours,” said Rick Cotton, the executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates commuter trains to and from Manhattan.
To reopen New York City in the months and, possibly, years before a vaccine is available will require monitoring and stamping out the virus wherever it appears.To reopen New York City in the months and, possibly, years before a vaccine is available will require monitoring and stamping out the virus wherever it appears.
The approach itself is not overly complicated, and it has long been used for diseases like tuberculosis and H.I.V. The city has, for example, done similar work to contain the few thousand cases of H.I.V. that now emerge every year.The approach itself is not overly complicated, and it has long been used for diseases like tuberculosis and H.I.V. The city has, for example, done similar work to contain the few thousand cases of H.I.V. that now emerge every year.
But to rein in the virus and reopen, even partially, the city may need to handle thousands of new cases a day once it expands the criteria for who can be tested.But to rein in the virus and reopen, even partially, the city may need to handle thousands of new cases a day once it expands the criteria for who can be tested.
The Harvard Global Health Institute conducted an analysis for The New York Times that assumed all symptomatic people would be tested and that each positive result would lead to tests of 10 contacts.The Harvard Global Health Institute conducted an analysis for The New York Times that assumed all symptomatic people would be tested and that each positive result would lead to tests of 10 contacts.
Under such a scenario, Harvard considered one model that projected 4,180 new cases a day in New York City on June 1; that number of cases would call for 35,415 New Yorkers to be tested daily, more than twice as many as are now being tested.Under such a scenario, Harvard considered one model that projected 4,180 new cases a day in New York City on June 1; that number of cases would call for 35,415 New Yorkers to be tested daily, more than twice as many as are now being tested.
Under a more favorable model that projected the city having 2,233 new daily cases by June 1, New York would still need about 19,352 tests a day, according to the Harvard analysis. That is 26 percent more than were tested on one recent day.Under a more favorable model that projected the city having 2,233 new daily cases by June 1, New York would still need about 19,352 tests a day, according to the Harvard analysis. That is 26 percent more than were tested on one recent day.
Mr. Malatras said that the city was already meeting the state’s testing metric of roughly 8,300 a day, a threshold he said was based on federal guidance.Mr. Malatras said that the city was already meeting the state’s testing metric of roughly 8,300 a day, a threshold he said was based on federal guidance.
But the models assume that social distancing will continue. When people begin to return to work, the numbers could be far higher.But the models assume that social distancing will continue. When people begin to return to work, the numbers could be far higher.
“Ideally you would take the test every day,” said Dr. Melissa Cushing, the director of the clinical laboratories at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medicine. “That really answers the question: Should you be going out in society today?”“Ideally you would take the test every day,” said Dr. Melissa Cushing, the director of the clinical laboratories at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medicine. “That really answers the question: Should you be going out in society today?”
Updated June 16, 2020Updated June 16, 2020
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
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.
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.
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.
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.
By slowing the virus’s spread, the shutdown in New York City has freed up some testing capacity, and some private hospitals have begun to test a broader range of people, not just health care workers with symptoms but also some without, and some emergency services workers.By slowing the virus’s spread, the shutdown in New York City has freed up some testing capacity, and some private hospitals have begun to test a broader range of people, not just health care workers with symptoms but also some without, and some emergency services workers.
Much more is needed.Much more is needed.
“Testing doesn’t control the spread of the virus,” said Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein, a vice dean for public health practice and community engagement at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. “It is testing and then the action that testing makes possible that really matters.”“Testing doesn’t control the spread of the virus,” said Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein, a vice dean for public health practice and community engagement at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. “It is testing and then the action that testing makes possible that really matters.”
To move to the next phase, which involves tracing every contact, the number of new positive cases would need to come down sharply.To move to the next phase, which involves tracing every contact, the number of new positive cases would need to come down sharply.
In New York City, that could mean as few as 100 to 300 new cases a day, said Dr. Thomas Frieden, a former director of the C.D.C. and onetime New York City health commissioner. City data shows that while new cases have come down, they still range from 600 to 1,200 a day.In New York City, that could mean as few as 100 to 300 new cases a day, said Dr. Thomas Frieden, a former director of the C.D.C. and onetime New York City health commissioner. City data shows that while new cases have come down, they still range from 600 to 1,200 a day.
At the start of the outbreak, the city had 50 people to do the work known as contact tracing. Now it has 200. The city is hiring at least 1,000 people for its tracing program, and on Friday Mr. de Blasio added a new complication, moving the work from the Health Department, which has long done it, to the city’s public hospital system.At the start of the outbreak, the city had 50 people to do the work known as contact tracing. Now it has 200. The city is hiring at least 1,000 people for its tracing program, and on Friday Mr. de Blasio added a new complication, moving the work from the Health Department, which has long done it, to the city’s public hospital system.
The need could be many times greater. Mr. Cuomo’s metrics called for more than 2,500 tracers for New York City. Mr. de Blasio vowed to reach that threshold in June.The need could be many times greater. Mr. Cuomo’s metrics called for more than 2,500 tracers for New York City. Mr. de Blasio vowed to reach that threshold in June.
Officials acknowledged that many more than that could be needed. In Wuhan, China, the first city brought down by the virus, officials eventually deployed an army of 9,000 contact tracers.Officials acknowledged that many more than that could be needed. In Wuhan, China, the first city brought down by the virus, officials eventually deployed an army of 9,000 contact tracers.
The contacts being traced under a state-run program would not include people such as strangers on the subway, only those with whom an infected person spent 30 minutes or more within 48 hours of the onset of illness.The contacts being traced under a state-run program would not include people such as strangers on the subway, only those with whom an infected person spent 30 minutes or more within 48 hours of the onset of illness.
“You have to prioritize, at least at the beginning,” said Dr. Kelly Henning, an epidemiologist who leads the public health program at Bloomberg Philanthropies, which is helping the state to hire contact tracers.“You have to prioritize, at least at the beginning,” said Dr. Kelly Henning, an epidemiologist who leads the public health program at Bloomberg Philanthropies, which is helping the state to hire contact tracers.
The job is challenging, in part, because it can mean asking someone not to go out for two weeks, and, if they can’t isolate at home, to do so in a hotel or, even a sports complex set up for that purpose.The job is challenging, in part, because it can mean asking someone not to go out for two weeks, and, if they can’t isolate at home, to do so in a hotel or, even a sports complex set up for that purpose.
Mr. de Blasio has said that the tennis center in Queens, when it is no longer needed as an emergency hospital, would become an isolation facility, in the way stadiums in China served that role.Mr. de Blasio has said that the tennis center in Queens, when it is no longer needed as an emergency hospital, would become an isolation facility, in the way stadiums in China served that role.
Officials said that New York was not contemplating potentially invasive measures employed elsewhere, such as so-called proximity tracing using cellphone data, something South Korea has tried.Officials said that New York was not contemplating potentially invasive measures employed elsewhere, such as so-called proximity tracing using cellphone data, something South Korea has tried.
But to be truly effective at containing the virus, experts said, asymptomatic contacts would also need to be tested, because they can pass on the virus. That testing strategy has been seen as effective in South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore.But to be truly effective at containing the virus, experts said, asymptomatic contacts would also need to be tested, because they can pass on the virus. That testing strategy has been seen as effective in South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore.
New York officials have not yet proposed taking that step.New York officials have not yet proposed taking that step.
Businesses large and small will have to figure out new ways of working in a world where the virus may still lurk in every human interaction. Where do people do their jobs and how do they work together? When do they work? Who goes into the office and who stays at home? Can people be made to go to work if schools do not open first?Businesses large and small will have to figure out new ways of working in a world where the virus may still lurk in every human interaction. Where do people do their jobs and how do they work together? When do they work? Who goes into the office and who stays at home? Can people be made to go to work if schools do not open first?
The first answers may emerge when restrictions begin to ease in some parts of New York State for two industries — construction and manufacturing — that have remained partially open through the shutdown. The experiences of those businesses provide a useful, if incomplete, road map for the challenges ahead.The first answers may emerge when restrictions begin to ease in some parts of New York State for two industries — construction and manufacturing — that have remained partially open through the shutdown. The experiences of those businesses provide a useful, if incomplete, road map for the challenges ahead.
Three shifts instead of one. Temperature checks. No large meetings. Shields and face guards between employees working near each other. Salt and pepper shakers removed from cafeterias. Reusable water bottles banned. Stern words for co-workers who stand too close when they talk.Three shifts instead of one. Temperature checks. No large meetings. Shields and face guards between employees working near each other. Salt and pepper shakers removed from cafeterias. Reusable water bottles banned. Stern words for co-workers who stand too close when they talk.
At Gear Motions, a manufacturer based in Syracuse that was deemed essential and has stayed open through the shutdown, managers found that they had to deal with a very human concern: fear.At Gear Motions, a manufacturer based in Syracuse that was deemed essential and has stayed open through the shutdown, managers found that they had to deal with a very human concern: fear.
“That’s what we learned early on,” Dean Burrows, the company’s president, said. “Everyone is scared.”“That’s what we learned early on,” Dean Burrows, the company’s president, said. “Everyone is scared.”
To combat the fear, Mr. Burrows said his company had been sharing information about the virus broadly and quickly, creating a system for sending text messages to every employee. So far, no one at Gear Motions’ factories had tested positive, he said.To combat the fear, Mr. Burrows said his company had been sharing information about the virus broadly and quickly, creating a system for sending text messages to every employee. So far, no one at Gear Motions’ factories had tested positive, he said.
Other companies have been exploring the use of wearable devices for employees that buzz as a reminder to maintain social distancing, and track employees’ locations to help with contact tracing should anyone become infected.Other companies have been exploring the use of wearable devices for employees that buzz as a reminder to maintain social distancing, and track employees’ locations to help with contact tracing should anyone become infected.
At La Guardia Airport, where a huge rebuilding effort has continued amid the outbreak, roughly 20 workers tested positive for the virus in the last half of March, said Gary LaBarbera, the president of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York. That prompted the Port Authority, which runs the site, the developer and labor groups to come up with a new safety plan.At La Guardia Airport, where a huge rebuilding effort has continued amid the outbreak, roughly 20 workers tested positive for the virus in the last half of March, said Gary LaBarbera, the president of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York. That prompted the Port Authority, which runs the site, the developer and labor groups to come up with a new safety plan.
Now face masks are required at all times on the site; turnstiles were removed in favor of contact-free entry points. And if a person tests positive for the virus, construction stops in the area where he or she was working, the area is disinfected, and those working with that person must stay home for 14 days.Now face masks are required at all times on the site; turnstiles were removed in favor of contact-free entry points. And if a person tests positive for the virus, construction stops in the area where he or she was working, the area is disinfected, and those working with that person must stay home for 14 days.
Since the new system was adopted, the number of positive tests at the site has dropped to “the low single digits” each week, said Mr. Cotton, the Port Authority leader.Since the new system was adopted, the number of positive tests at the site has dropped to “the low single digits” each week, said Mr. Cotton, the Port Authority leader.
“It’s very difficult to require self-quarantine,” Mr. LaBarbera said. “But to my knowledge the workers are taking it very seriously and are following the guidance.”“It’s very difficult to require self-quarantine,” Mr. LaBarbera said. “But to my knowledge the workers are taking it very seriously and are following the guidance.”
Jeffery C. Mays and Jesse McKinley contributed reporting.Jeffery C. Mays and Jesse McKinley contributed reporting.