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These N.Y.C. Neighborhoods Have the Highest Rates of Virus Deaths These N.Y.C. Neighborhoods Have the Highest Rates of Virus Deaths
(about 20 hours later)
New data released Monday sheds light on one of the biggest questions about the toll the coronavirus has taken on New York: Where are people dying?New data released Monday sheds light on one of the biggest questions about the toll the coronavirus has taken on New York: Where are people dying?
The data, which shows death rates in each of the city’s ZIP codes, underscores the deep disparities already unearthed by the outbreak. While the majority of the deaths across the city have been older residents, race and income have proven to be the largest factors in determining who lives and who dies.The data, which shows death rates in each of the city’s ZIP codes, underscores the deep disparities already unearthed by the outbreak. While the majority of the deaths across the city have been older residents, race and income have proven to be the largest factors in determining who lives and who dies.
Neighborhoods with high concentrations of black and Latino people, as well as low-income residents, suffered the highest death rates, while some wealthier areas — primarily in Manhattan — saw almost no deaths, according to the new data, which was published by the New York City Health Department.Neighborhoods with high concentrations of black and Latino people, as well as low-income residents, suffered the highest death rates, while some wealthier areas — primarily in Manhattan — saw almost no deaths, according to the new data, which was published by the New York City Health Department.
The findings reinforced earlier reports showing that black and Latino New Yorkers were dying at twice the rate of white residents when the data is adjusted for age. Across the United States, the virus has infected and killed black people at disproportionately high rates.The findings reinforced earlier reports showing that black and Latino New Yorkers were dying at twice the rate of white residents when the data is adjusted for age. Across the United States, the virus has infected and killed black people at disproportionately high rates.
“We may all be in the same storm, but we’re not all in the same boat,” said Inez Barron, a city councilwoman whose Brooklyn district includes the ZIP code with the highest death rate in the city.“We may all be in the same storm, but we’re not all in the same boat,” said Inez Barron, a city councilwoman whose Brooklyn district includes the ZIP code with the highest death rate in the city.
The data, which was current as of Monday, includes only deaths of people who had tested positive for Covid-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. Probable cases of the virus among those who had not been tested account for 1 in 4 deaths.The data, which was current as of Monday, includes only deaths of people who had tested positive for Covid-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. Probable cases of the virus among those who had not been tested account for 1 in 4 deaths.
The death rate in the 11239 ZIP code — a community of about 13,000 people — is the city’s highest, and almost 40 percent higher than in the area with the next highest rate. It is home to many older and African-American residents and includes Starrett City, a sprawling low- and middle-income housing complex on a peninsula jutting into Jamaica Bay.The death rate in the 11239 ZIP code — a community of about 13,000 people — is the city’s highest, and almost 40 percent higher than in the area with the next highest rate. It is home to many older and African-American residents and includes Starrett City, a sprawling low- and middle-income housing complex on a peninsula jutting into Jamaica Bay.
Although the area has the city’s highest concentration of people over age 65, it was unclear why its death rate is so high. The total number of confirmed deaths there was 76.Although the area has the city’s highest concentration of people over age 65, it was unclear why its death rate is so high. The total number of confirmed deaths there was 76.
Ms. Barron, the city councilwoman, said the people she represents have long been underserved by the city and live in conditions that make it difficult to control the spread of the disease.Ms. Barron, the city councilwoman, said the people she represents have long been underserved by the city and live in conditions that make it difficult to control the spread of the disease.
“We might have instances of multigenerational families in Starrett City, and one person who is sick doesn’t have the luxury of going out to Long Island or going to their vacation home,” she said.“We might have instances of multigenerational families in Starrett City, and one person who is sick doesn’t have the luxury of going out to Long Island or going to their vacation home,” she said.
While the vast majority of the city’s deaths have been people 65 and older, the overwhelming difference between the neighborhoods that suffered most and least has been race and income, not age.While the vast majority of the city’s deaths have been people 65 and older, the overwhelming difference between the neighborhoods that suffered most and least has been race and income, not age.
Of the 10 ZIP codes with the highest death rates, eight have populations that are predominantly black or Hispanic and include every borough except for Manhattan.Of the 10 ZIP codes with the highest death rates, eight have populations that are predominantly black or Hispanic and include every borough except for Manhattan.
Most of the neighborhoods with the lowest death rates are in Manhattan, and each has a six-figure median household income. The group also includes some of the richest ZIP codes in the city, the same areas that emptied out when the virus hit New York. All but one is majority white.Most of the neighborhoods with the lowest death rates are in Manhattan, and each has a six-figure median household income. The group also includes some of the richest ZIP codes in the city, the same areas that emptied out when the virus hit New York. All but one is majority white.
The neighborhoods in the bottom quarter for death rates have double the income of the group in the top quarter. On average, the most affected areas are also more populous.The neighborhoods in the bottom quarter for death rates have double the income of the group in the top quarter. On average, the most affected areas are also more populous.
The Bronx has the highest rate for coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths. And in each measure, Manhattan has been the least affected.The Bronx has the highest rate for coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths. And in each measure, Manhattan has been the least affected.
The three whitest ZIP codes in the Bronx — around Pelham-Throgs Neck and the Northeast Bronx — show among the lowest death rates in the borough.The three whitest ZIP codes in the Bronx — around Pelham-Throgs Neck and the Northeast Bronx — show among the lowest death rates in the borough.
The same trends with race and income can be seen in Manhattan. A ZIP code stretching over Central Harlem and Morningside Heights had the borough’s highest death rate; the neighborhoods are 90 percent black and Hispanic and one of the poorest areas in Manhattan.The same trends with race and income can be seen in Manhattan. A ZIP code stretching over Central Harlem and Morningside Heights had the borough’s highest death rate; the neighborhoods are 90 percent black and Hispanic and one of the poorest areas in Manhattan.
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.
As stark as the disparities appear to be, it is possible that the reality is much worse.As stark as the disparities appear to be, it is possible that the reality is much worse.
The city’s ZIP code data includes only cases in which a person tested positive for Covid-19, meaning the same poor neighborhoods where testing has been lagging may have had even more deaths from the virus than the current statistics reflect. The city has been counting “probable” deaths from the virus but has not released those numbers by ZIP code.The city’s ZIP code data includes only cases in which a person tested positive for Covid-19, meaning the same poor neighborhoods where testing has been lagging may have had even more deaths from the virus than the current statistics reflect. The city has been counting “probable” deaths from the virus but has not released those numbers by ZIP code.
Across the city, a median of 6 percent of residents have been tested for the virus.Across the city, a median of 6 percent of residents have been tested for the virus.
In the ZIP codes with the highest rates of death, a median of 38 percent of the tests came back positive; in the areas with the lowest rates, about 25 percent came back positive — suggesting that if more tests were done, the death rates in the hardest-hit areas could be even higher.In the ZIP codes with the highest rates of death, a median of 38 percent of the tests came back positive; in the areas with the lowest rates, about 25 percent came back positive — suggesting that if more tests were done, the death rates in the hardest-hit areas could be even higher.
The rate of deaths at public housing projects mirrors that of the city overall, suggesting that fears the pandemic might disproportionately affect residents in buildings operated by the New York City Housing Authority have not borne out, according to a Health Department analysis.The rate of deaths at public housing projects mirrors that of the city overall, suggesting that fears the pandemic might disproportionately affect residents in buildings operated by the New York City Housing Authority have not borne out, according to a Health Department analysis.
As of last week, 943 residents of city housing projects who had tested positive for Covid-19 had died. In its analysis of death rates in NYCHA buildings, which house about 400,000 New Yorkers, the Health Department also included deaths of people presumed to have had the virus, which added another 298 cases.As of last week, 943 residents of city housing projects who had tested positive for Covid-19 had died. In its analysis of death rates in NYCHA buildings, which house about 400,000 New Yorkers, the Health Department also included deaths of people presumed to have had the virus, which added another 298 cases.
In all, 7,818 public housing residents have tested positive for the disease.In all, 7,818 public housing residents have tested positive for the disease.