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Coronavirus in N.Y.C.: Latest Updates Coronavirus in N.Y.C.: Latest Updates
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It’s Tuesday.It’s Tuesday.
Weather: Partly sunny, with stiff wind and a high in the upper 60s.Weather: Partly sunny, with stiff wind and a high in the upper 60s.
Alternate-side parking is in effect through Wednesday, then suspended on Thursday for Solemnity of the Ascension. It is in effect on Friday and Saturday, then suspended through June 7. The city may extend the suspension past June 7 based on street cleanliness and the availability of the work force.Alternate-side parking is in effect through Wednesday, then suspended on Thursday for Solemnity of the Ascension. It is in effect on Friday and Saturday, then suspended through June 7. The city may extend the suspension past June 7 based on street cleanliness and the availability of the work force.
The Brooklyn ZIP code that includes the vast Starrett City subsidized-housing complex has the highest rate of coronavirus-related deaths in New York City, according to official data released on Monday.The Brooklyn ZIP code that includes the vast Starrett City subsidized-housing complex has the highest rate of coronavirus-related deaths in New York City, according to official data released on Monday.
The ZIP code, 11239, is also home to the highest percentage of people over 65 in the city, the data shows.The ZIP code, 11239, is also home to the highest percentage of people over 65 in the city, the data shows.
Seventy-six people from a population of about 12,400 there have died of the virus, or about one in every 165 residents.Seventy-six people from a population of about 12,400 there have died of the virus, or about one in every 165 residents.
Officials have been releasing data on virus cases by ZIP code for several weeks, but they had previously given only borough breakdowns for deaths.Officials have been releasing data on virus cases by ZIP code for several weeks, but they had previously given only borough breakdowns for deaths.
The 11239 area, which includes parts of the Canarsie and Flatlands neighborhoods, also has one of the city’s highest infection rates: Nearly 4 percent of its residents have tested positive for the virus.The 11239 area, which includes parts of the Canarsie and Flatlands neighborhoods, also has one of the city’s highest infection rates: Nearly 4 percent of its residents have tested positive for the virus.
[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.]
Private cleaners hired by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to scrub down more than a dozen subway stations as part of a nightly systemwide sanitizing effort may not be getting paid as much as they should be, according to the city comptroller.Private cleaners hired by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to scrub down more than a dozen subway stations as part of a nightly systemwide sanitizing effort may not be getting paid as much as they should be, according to the city comptroller.
In a letter sent on Monday, the comptroller, Scott M. Stringer, urged the authority to see that the workers, who are augmenting transit cleaning crews in the unprecedented push to disinfect the subway in the battle against the coronavirus, receive the wages to which they are legally entitled.In a letter sent on Monday, the comptroller, Scott M. Stringer, urged the authority to see that the workers, who are augmenting transit cleaning crews in the unprecedented push to disinfect the subway in the battle against the coronavirus, receive the wages to which they are legally entitled.
“These workers are risking their own health and that of their families to ensure that New Yorkers, especially our front-line work force, can use our transit system safely,” Mr. Stringer wrote in the letter.“These workers are risking their own health and that of their families to ensure that New Yorkers, especially our front-line work force, can use our transit system safely,” Mr. Stringer wrote in the letter.
Mr. Stringer was questioning whether private contractors hired for the nightly subway shutdown were being paid in line with so-called prevailing wage rules.Mr. Stringer was questioning whether private contractors hired for the nightly subway shutdown were being paid in line with so-called prevailing wage rules.
[Coronavirus in New York: A map and the case count.][Coronavirus in New York: A map and the case count.]
As the coronavirus shows signs of retreat in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, officials are focusing on reopening their states.As the coronavirus shows signs of retreat in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, officials are focusing on reopening their states.
In New York, a sixth region, including Buffalo, will be allowed to reopen on Tuesday after meeting the state’s standards, and a seventh, around Albany, was just one requirement away. In the five upstate regions allowed to partially restart over the weekend, some retailers were allowed to provide curbside service, and drive-in movies and landscaping could resume, among other easing of restrictions.In New York, a sixth region, including Buffalo, will be allowed to reopen on Tuesday after meeting the state’s standards, and a seventh, around Albany, was just one requirement away. In the five upstate regions allowed to partially restart over the weekend, some retailers were allowed to provide curbside service, and drive-in movies and landscaping could resume, among other easing of restrictions.
As of Monday, retail stores in New Jersey were allowed to offer curbside pickup of goods. Nonessential construction projects in the state could also resume, and gatherings like religious services and drive-in movies was allowed as long as people stayed in their cars.As of Monday, retail stores in New Jersey were allowed to offer curbside pickup of goods. Nonessential construction projects in the state could also resume, and gatherings like religious services and drive-in movies was allowed as long as people stayed in their cars.
Starting on Friday, batting cages, golf driving ranges and private tennis clubs in New Jersey can open, Gov. Philip D. Murphy said on Monday. Golfers on courses will be permitted to play in foursomes, after previously being restricted to playing in pairs, and horseback riding is also allowed.Starting on Friday, batting cages, golf driving ranges and private tennis clubs in New Jersey can open, Gov. Philip D. Murphy said on Monday. Golfers on courses will be permitted to play in foursomes, after previously being restricted to playing in pairs, and horseback riding is also allowed.
In Connecticut, offices and retailers can reopen on Wednesday, but only at half-capacity and with social-distancing restrictions. Restaurants can also open on Wednesday, but only for outdoor dining.In Connecticut, offices and retailers can reopen on Wednesday, but only at half-capacity and with social-distancing restrictions. Restaurants can also open on Wednesday, but only for outdoor dining.
She Spent Her Last Month of College Lifting Bodies in a MorgueShe Spent Her Last Month of College Lifting Bodies in a Morgue
Thinking of Buying a Bike? Get Ready for a Very Long WaitThinking of Buying a Bike? Get Ready for a Very Long Wait
A Brooklyn Hospital Mourns the Doctor Who Was ‘Our Jay-Z’A Brooklyn Hospital Mourns the Doctor Who Was ‘Our Jay-Z’
14 Ways We’re Finding Joy (in Spite of Everything)14 Ways We’re Finding Joy (in Spite of Everything)
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.
Magnolia Bakery customers will have to step through a “cleanse portal” if they want service. [New York Post]Magnolia Bakery customers will have to step through a “cleanse portal” if they want service. [New York Post]
The city health commissioner apologized for an exchange of harsh words with the Police Department. [New York Daily News]The city health commissioner apologized for an exchange of harsh words with the Police Department. [New York Daily News]
A slot-machine-only casino upstate is the first gaming operation in New York to reopen. [NewYorkUpstate.com]A slot-machine-only casino upstate is the first gaming operation in New York to reopen. [NewYorkUpstate.com]
Here’s a guide to antibody testing in New York City. [Gothamist]Here’s a guide to antibody testing in New York City. [Gothamist]
The Times’s Elizabeth A. Harris writes:The Times’s Elizabeth A. Harris writes:
The halls of the Guggenheim Museum are pretty quiet these days, with mostly just its ghosts and some security guards as company for the art.The halls of the Guggenheim Museum are pretty quiet these days, with mostly just its ghosts and some security guards as company for the art.
Oh, and there’s the guy who takes care of the tomatoes.Oh, and there’s the guy who takes care of the tomatoes.
David Litvin, an indoor crop specialist, tends the plants for the exhibition “Countryside, The Future.” He moved to New York from Tel Aviv in February, along with his wife, Stefanie, and their Dutch shepherd, Ester, with a plan to stay six months to harvest the Guggenheim tomatoes.David Litvin, an indoor crop specialist, tends the plants for the exhibition “Countryside, The Future.” He moved to New York from Tel Aviv in February, along with his wife, Stefanie, and their Dutch shepherd, Ester, with a plan to stay six months to harvest the Guggenheim tomatoes.
The museum has been closed since March 13, but Mr. Litvin still walks across Central Park every day around noon from his rental on the Upper West Side to take care of the fruit. “When you grow tomatoes on Fifth Avenue, you want to have the perfect tomatoes,” he said. “There’s no room to mess up. If I have ugly plants, I’ll hear it from the neighbors.”
The tomatoes, housed in what looks like a radioactive shipping container on the sidewalk, were on view as part of the exhibition for just three weeks before the city folded in on itself.
Updated June 22, 2020Updated 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.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.
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.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
The museum has been closed since March 13, but Mr. Litvin still walks across Central Park every day around noon from his rental on the Upper West Side to take care of the fruit. “When you grow tomatoes on Fifth Avenue, you want to have the perfect tomatoes,” he said. “There’s no room to mess up. If I have ugly plants, I’ll hear it from the neighbors.”
The tomatoes, housed in what looks like a radioactive shipping container on the sidewalk, were on view as part of the exhibition for just three weeks before the city folded in on itself.
“This tomato-growing module couldn’t just be turned off with the lights,” said the Guggenheim curator Troy Conrad Therrien, who organized the exhibition with the architect Rem Koolhaas and Samir Bantal of AMO, the research arm of Mr. Koolhaas’s firm. “We brought the exhibition to the street, and the street is still accessible.”“This tomato-growing module couldn’t just be turned off with the lights,” said the Guggenheim curator Troy Conrad Therrien, who organized the exhibition with the architect Rem Koolhaas and Samir Bantal of AMO, the research arm of Mr. Koolhaas’s firm. “We brought the exhibition to the street, and the street is still accessible.”
In the context of the exhibition, these tomatoes — specifically, they’re Brioso tomatoes — are meant to reflect the potential future of agriculture.In the context of the exhibition, these tomatoes — specifically, they’re Brioso tomatoes — are meant to reflect the potential future of agriculture.
Indeed, the tomatoes are being put to use. Every Wednesday, a City Harvest van is loaded with about 3,000 tomatoes that Mr. Litvin has snipped, still on the vine.Indeed, the tomatoes are being put to use. Every Wednesday, a City Harvest van is loaded with about 3,000 tomatoes that Mr. Litvin has snipped, still on the vine.
It’s Tuesday — stay rooted.It’s Tuesday — stay rooted.
Dear Diary:Dear Diary:
The night my husband and I fell in love, we dressed up like animals for a themed party at House of Yes. I was a fish, and he was a cat.The night my husband and I fell in love, we dressed up like animals for a themed party at House of Yes. I was a fish, and he was a cat.
Neither of us had ever cared much for dancing in clubs, but we outlasted all of our friends that night. Our first kiss was on the dance floor.Neither of us had ever cared much for dancing in clubs, but we outlasted all of our friends that night. Our first kiss was on the dance floor.
Afterward, we walked through a misty drizzle to the Williamsburg waterfront, where we watched the sunrise. The Manhattan skyline had never looked so beautiful.Afterward, we walked through a misty drizzle to the Williamsburg waterfront, where we watched the sunrise. The Manhattan skyline had never looked so beautiful.
We headed to Kellogg’s diner. After feasting on eggs, hash browns and waffles, we stood outside, eyes and lips locked, not wanting the night to end.We headed to Kellogg’s diner. After feasting on eggs, hash browns and waffles, we stood outside, eyes and lips locked, not wanting the night to end.
“Excuse me!” a crackly, nasal voice said.“Excuse me!” a crackly, nasal voice said.
We turned to see two older women. One had an aluminum walker and an impatient scowl. We were blocking their access to the wheelchair ramp.We turned to see two older women. One had an aluminum walker and an impatient scowl. We were blocking their access to the wheelchair ramp.
We apologized and moved out of the way.We apologized and moved out of the way.
A few moments later, the second woman came back outside.A few moments later, the second woman came back outside.
“I’m so sorry about my friend,” she said in a thick Brooklyn accent. “I told her, ‘Leave ’em alone, they’re in love!’”“I’m so sorry about my friend,” she said in a thick Brooklyn accent. “I told her, ‘Leave ’em alone, they’re in love!’”
— Samia Mounts— Samia Mounts
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