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Coronavirus in N.Y.C.: Latest Updates Coronavirus in N.Y.C.: Latest Updates
(6 days later)
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It’s Wednesday.It’s Wednesday.
Weather: Bright and pleasant. High in the low 60s.Weather: Bright and pleasant. High in the low 60s.
Alternate-side parking: Suspended through Sunday; resuming Monday.Alternate-side parking: Suspended through Sunday; resuming Monday.
New York State health officials are now investigating about 100 cases of a rare and dangerous inflammatory syndrome that afflicts children and appears to be connected to the coronavirus, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Tuesday.New York State health officials are now investigating about 100 cases of a rare and dangerous inflammatory syndrome that afflicts children and appears to be connected to the coronavirus, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Tuesday.
So far, three deaths in the state have been linked to the illness, which is known as pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome and causes life-threatening inflammation in critical organs, Mr. Cuomo said.So far, three deaths in the state have been linked to the illness, which is known as pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome and causes life-threatening inflammation in critical organs, Mr. Cuomo said.
More than half of the state’s syndrome cases — 57 percent — involved children ages 5 to 14.More than half of the state’s syndrome cases — 57 percent — involved children ages 5 to 14.
Also on Tuesday, Mayor Bill de Blasio said that 52 cases of the syndrome, which has symptoms that overlap with those of toxic shock syndrome and Kawasaki disease, had been reported in New York City and that 10 potential cases were being evaluated.Also on Tuesday, Mayor Bill de Blasio said that 52 cases of the syndrome, which has symptoms that overlap with those of toxic shock syndrome and Kawasaki disease, had been reported in New York City and that 10 potential cases were being evaluated.
The dead included a 5-year-old boy who died last week in New York City, a 7-year-old boy in Westchester County and an 18-year-old woman on Long Island.The dead included a 5-year-old boy who died last week in New York City, a 7-year-old boy in Westchester County and an 18-year-old woman on Long Island.
“This is a truly disturbing situation,” Mr. Cuomo said at his daily news briefing. “And I know parents around the state and around the country are very concerned about this, and they should be.”“This is a truly disturbing situation,” Mr. Cuomo said at his daily news briefing. “And I know parents around the state and around the country are very concerned about this, and they should be.”
[Get the latest news and updates on the coronavirus in the New York region.][Get the latest news and updates on the coronavirus in the New York region.]
With New York making steady progress in its battle against the virus and three upstate regions poised to start a gradual reopening by this weekend, Mr. Cuomo reiterated on Tuesday the importance of federal aid as the state charts its recovery.With New York making steady progress in its battle against the virus and three upstate regions poised to start a gradual reopening by this weekend, Mr. Cuomo reiterated on Tuesday the importance of federal aid as the state charts its recovery.
The number of people hospitalized in New York continued to decrease, Mr. Cuomo said, one of the key metrics that officials are monitoring in assessing whether the outbreak’s severity is waning.The number of people hospitalized in New York continued to decrease, Mr. Cuomo said, one of the key metrics that officials are monitoring in assessing whether the outbreak’s severity is waning.
The number of new daily hospitalizations has fallen close to where it was on March 19, just before Mr. Cuomo issued executive orders shutting down much of the state.The number of new daily hospitalizations has fallen close to where it was on March 19, just before Mr. Cuomo issued executive orders shutting down much of the state.
“We’re making real progress, there’s no doubt,” Mr. Cuomo said. “But there’s also no doubt that it’s no time to get cocky, no time to get arrogant.”“We’re making real progress, there’s no doubt,” Mr. Cuomo said. “But there’s also no doubt that it’s no time to get cocky, no time to get arrogant.”
[Coronavirus in New York: A map and the case count.][Coronavirus in New York: A map and the case count.]
The puzzle of how to revive New York City’s tourist trade is so vexing that city officials are pulling together a group of industry experts — and one of the biggest names on Broadway — to try to solve it.The puzzle of how to revive New York City’s tourist trade is so vexing that city officials are pulling together a group of industry experts — and one of the biggest names on Broadway — to try to solve it.
On Tuesday, the city’s tourism agency, NYC & Company, said it was establishing the Coalition for NYC Hospitality & Tourism Recovery. Among the group’s leaders: Lin-Manuel Miranda, the composer, lyricist and actor who created the musical “Hamilton.”On Tuesday, the city’s tourism agency, NYC & Company, said it was establishing the Coalition for NYC Hospitality & Tourism Recovery. Among the group’s leaders: Lin-Manuel Miranda, the composer, lyricist and actor who created the musical “Hamilton.”
The coalition’s task is to come up with a plan for wooing people back to the city once it starts to emerge from the coronavirus pandemic, a chapter that appears to be months off. The Broadway League said on Tuesday that its members were canceling shows through Sept 6.The coalition’s task is to come up with a plan for wooing people back to the city once it starts to emerge from the coronavirus pandemic, a chapter that appears to be months off. The Broadway League said on Tuesday that its members were canceling shows through Sept 6.
“It is time to consider how we can begin to reopen our doors and safely reconnect with our city and with each other, and with the visitors who will one day again flock to New York,” said Charles Flateman, who is the chairman of NYC & Company and executive vice president of the Shubert Organization, which owns several Broadway theaters.“It is time to consider how we can begin to reopen our doors and safely reconnect with our city and with each other, and with the visitors who will one day again flock to New York,” said Charles Flateman, who is the chairman of NYC & Company and executive vice president of the Shubert Organization, which owns several Broadway theaters.
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Want more news? Check out our full coverage.Want more news? Check out our full coverage.
The Mini Crossword: Here is today’s puzzle.The Mini Crossword: Here is today’s puzzle.
The future of sit-down dining at restaurants in the city might rest in open street space. [Gothamist]The future of sit-down dining at restaurants in the city might rest in open street space. [Gothamist]
New York City may implement a mix of online learning and in-class instruction for the expected September reopening of schools Mr. de Blasio said. [Daily News]New York City may implement a mix of online learning and in-class instruction for the expected September reopening of schools Mr. de Blasio said. [Daily News]
Some mayors and business owners from towns along the Jersey Shore are bracing for what could be a very unusual summer. [Gothamist]Some mayors and business owners from towns along the Jersey Shore are bracing for what could be a very unusual summer. [Gothamist]
The Times’s Alan Feuer writes:The Times’s Alan Feuer writes:
Seven weeks have passed since New York City, fleeing the coronavirus, put up a collective closed-for-business sign and locked itself away inside the strange, timeless bubble of the shutdown. The crisis, by any standard, has been costly: More than 19,000 New Yorkers have already lost their lives, and tens, if not hundreds, of thousands more have lost their livelihoods.Seven weeks have passed since New York City, fleeing the coronavirus, put up a collective closed-for-business sign and locked itself away inside the strange, timeless bubble of the shutdown. The crisis, by any standard, has been costly: More than 19,000 New Yorkers have already lost their lives, and tens, if not hundreds, of thousands more have lost their livelihoods.
But the fabric of the city, too, has suffered harm as our attempts to stop the spread of disease have infected the streets and subways, the great public spaces and the secret little hideaways with a kind of festering emptiness. Social distance, for all its benefits, is a plague to places like New York, laying waste to the churning rhythms, the cherished rituals and the millions of spontaneous interactions where, in normal times, the city lives at the level of its cells.But the fabric of the city, too, has suffered harm as our attempts to stop the spread of disease have infected the streets and subways, the great public spaces and the secret little hideaways with a kind of festering emptiness. Social distance, for all its benefits, is a plague to places like New York, laying waste to the churning rhythms, the cherished rituals and the millions of spontaneous interactions where, in normal times, the city lives at the level of its cells.
With New Yorkers in retreat from New York, it seemed appropriate to ask a few what they missed most about their home as it was just months ago. Some missed the big things: the daily tide of bodies swirling around the clock in Grand Central Terminal. Some missed the small things: the two-tone chime of a closing subway door.With New Yorkers in retreat from New York, it seemed appropriate to ask a few what they missed most about their home as it was just months ago. Some missed the big things: the daily tide of bodies swirling around the clock in Grand Central Terminal. Some missed the small things: the two-tone chime of a closing subway door.
Updated June 16, 2020 Updated June 22, 2020
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
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 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.
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.
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.
“There’s a complicated chemistry the city uses as eight million people go about their lives together,” said Ric Burns, the documentary filmmaker perhaps best known for his PBS series on New York. “It’s an infinitely delicate attraction-repulsion mechanism that help us negotiate our density, and it’s been put on hold.”“There’s a complicated chemistry the city uses as eight million people go about their lives together,” said Ric Burns, the documentary filmmaker perhaps best known for his PBS series on New York. “It’s an infinitely delicate attraction-repulsion mechanism that help us negotiate our density, and it’s been put on hold.”
“It’s like our language has been taken from us,” Mr. Burns said, “and we’ve been silenced.”“It’s like our language has been taken from us,” Mr. Burns said, “and we’ve been silenced.”
He was one of about a dozen New Yorkers who talked to The New York Times wistfully about what it is they miss most with the city in a diminished state.He was one of about a dozen New Yorkers who talked to The New York Times wistfully about what it is they miss most with the city in a diminished state.
It’s Wednesday — what do you miss?It’s Wednesday — what do you miss?
Dear Diary:Dear Diary:
Lapis Lazooli, a poet and truly,A man with some dubious talents.Said to me, last July with a glint in his eye:“What I’ll tell you will throw you off balance.”Lapis Lazooli, a poet and truly,A man with some dubious talents.Said to me, last July with a glint in his eye:“What I’ll tell you will throw you off balance.”
I admit I was leery, ennui-ed, somewhat weary;Just what was he cooking this time?“I’ve unlocked the enigma, destigma-ed the stigma;And for orange I found a real rhyme.”I admit I was leery, ennui-ed, somewhat weary;Just what was he cooking this time?“I’ve unlocked the enigma, destigma-ed the stigma;And for orange I found a real rhyme.”
Now, it’s really no news that New Yorkers schmooze,We’re verbal and vocal, loquacious.But in Coney Islond, we will not be conned,“Gimme a break, that’s fallacious.”Now, it’s really no news that New Yorkers schmooze,We’re verbal and vocal, loquacious.But in Coney Islond, we will not be conned,“Gimme a break, that’s fallacious.”
He tugged at his beard — it was worse than I feared —And he whispered, his voice was a hiss:He tugged at his beard — it was worse than I feared —And he whispered, his voice was a hiss:
“Neither Ogden, nor Parker, nor Stephen Sondheim,Dared to attempt such a perilous rhyme.Forget about Seuss ’cause he knew he’d be lost;Not Wordsworth, not Shelley, not Shakespeare, not Frost;Not Yeats, not a one in this august mélange,Would ever endeavor a rhyme for or-anj. But I — ”“Neither Ogden, nor Parker, nor Stephen Sondheim,Dared to attempt such a perilous rhyme.Forget about Seuss ’cause he knew he’d be lost;Not Wordsworth, not Shelley, not Shakespeare, not Frost;Not Yeats, not a one in this august mélange,Would ever endeavor a rhyme for or-anj. But I — ”
He then cleared his throat trying hard not to gloat(I was doing my best not to cringe).“The word that’s a rhyme, that’s mundane yet sublime:Orange — its mate is doorhinge!”He then cleared his throat trying hard not to gloat(I was doing my best not to cringe).“The word that’s a rhyme, that’s mundane yet sublime:Orange — its mate is doorhinge!”
Doorhinge?! Doorhinge?!Doorhinge?! Doorhinge?!
Now, I am no yokel, I’m Brooklyn, I’m local,Won’t ever be tricked, teased nor taken.“Well, I’ll tell ya, Lapis, that’s nothing but crappis,You’re meshuge, you’re mad, you’re mistaken!”Now, I am no yokel, I’m Brooklyn, I’m local,Won’t ever be tricked, teased nor taken.“Well, I’ll tell ya, Lapis, that’s nothing but crappis,You’re meshuge, you’re mad, you’re mistaken!”
“No!You’ve no ear for whimsy, your knowledge is flimsy,Van Gogh never could sell his art.Galileo was hounded, Prometheus grounded.Here’s the moment, my friend, that we part.”“No!You’ve no ear for whimsy, your knowledge is flimsy,Van Gogh never could sell his art.Galileo was hounded, Prometheus grounded.Here’s the moment, my friend, that we part.”
Lapis Lazooli, a poet and truly (Well, actually sort of a hack),Said, “Silver is next, I’m not vanquished nor vexed,And orange you glad I’ll be back.”Lapis Lazooli, a poet and truly (Well, actually sort of a hack),Said, “Silver is next, I’m not vanquished nor vexed,And orange you glad I’ll be back.”
— Lou Craft— Lou Craft
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