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| Coronavirus in N.Y.C.: Latest Updates | Coronavirus in N.Y.C.: Latest Updates |
| (about 3 hours later) | |
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| It’s Wednesday. | It’s Wednesday. |
| Weather: Increasingly sunny, with a breeze. High in the mid-60s. | Weather: Increasingly sunny, with a breeze. High in the mid-60s. |
| Alternate-side parking is in effect on Wednesday and then suspended on Thursday for Solemnity of the Ascension. It is in effect on Friday and Saturday, and 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 on Wednesday and then suspended on Thursday for Solemnity of the Ascension. It is in effect on Friday and Saturday, and 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. |
| For families of coronavirus patients in New York, one of the pandemic’s most heartbreaking aspects has been the inability to visit loved ones who are hospitalized. | For families of coronavirus patients in New York, one of the pandemic’s most heartbreaking aspects has been the inability to visit loved ones who are hospitalized. |
| Visitors have been all but forbidden at hospitals across the state since March 18, when officials asked that visits be suspended as the virus spread. | Visitors have been all but forbidden at hospitals across the state since March 18, when officials asked that visits be suspended as the virus spread. |
| Thousands of relatives of dying patients have had to say their last goodbyes over the phone, via a tablet screen or not at all. | Thousands of relatives of dying patients have had to say their last goodbyes over the phone, via a tablet screen or not at all. |
| Now, with the virus on the wane, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Tuesday that the state would allow visitors at 16 hospitals, nine of them in New York City, as part of a pilot program. | Now, with the virus on the wane, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Tuesday that the state would allow visitors at 16 hospitals, nine of them in New York City, as part of a pilot program. |
| The hospitals include Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx, Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn and Mount Sinai hospitals in Queens and Manhattan. (See the complete list.) | The hospitals include Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx, Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn and Mount Sinai hospitals in Queens and Manhattan. (See the complete list.) |
| “It is terrible to have someone in the hospital and then that person is isolated, not being able to see their family or friends,” Mr. Cuomo said. | “It is terrible to have someone in the hospital and then that person is isolated, not being able to see their family or friends,” Mr. Cuomo said. |
| [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.] |
| New York University plans to hold in-person classes in the fall, the university’s provost said on Tuesday, as other institutions of higher education weighed how to proceed amid the pandemic. | New York University plans to hold in-person classes in the fall, the university’s provost said on Tuesday, as other institutions of higher education weighed how to proceed amid the pandemic. |
| “We’re planning to convene in person, with great care, in the fall (subject to government health directives), both in New York and at our global sites,” the provost, Katherine Fleming, wrote in a letter to incoming freshmen. | “We’re planning to convene in person, with great care, in the fall (subject to government health directives), both in New York and at our global sites,” the provost, Katherine Fleming, wrote in a letter to incoming freshmen. |
| Still, Ms. Fleming added: “I can’t pretend that 2020-21 will be a typical academic year.” | Still, Ms. Fleming added: “I can’t pretend that 2020-21 will be a typical academic year.” |
| The announcement paves the way for a major university in the heart of New York City to invite thousands of undergraduates into what has been the U.S. epicenter of a global health crisis, with health and safety measures in place. | The announcement paves the way for a major university in the heart of New York City to invite thousands of undergraduates into what has been the U.S. epicenter of a global health crisis, with health and safety measures in place. |
| The move comes as other colleges and universities in the region and across the country continue to explore when and how to reopen their campuses over the summer and try to plan for an influx of students in the fall. | The move comes as other colleges and universities in the region and across the country continue to explore when and how to reopen their campuses over the summer and try to plan for an influx of students in the fall. |
| Also in New York City, nearly 16 percent of the 1.1 million public school students will be asked to attend online summer school for about six weeks. That’s about four times the percentage from last year. | Also in New York City, nearly 16 percent of the 1.1 million public school students will be asked to attend online summer school for about six weeks. That’s about four times the percentage from last year. |
| The school year is set to end on June 26. Students who have fallen behind in courses will be notified about their summer school placements before then. | The school year is set to end on June 26. Students who have fallen behind in courses will be notified about their summer school placements before then. |
| [Coronavirus in New York: A map and the case count.] | [Coronavirus in New York: A map and the case count.] |
| The appearance on Tuesday of New York City’s health commissioner at Mayor Bill de Blasio’s daily briefing on the pandemic would not ordinarily have been remarkable. | The appearance on Tuesday of New York City’s health commissioner at Mayor Bill de Blasio’s daily briefing on the pandemic would not ordinarily have been remarkable. |
| But the commissioner, Dr. Oxiris Barbot, had been absent from the briefings for nearly a week, after missing only four of 60 since the outbreak started. And questions had begun to swirl over whether Mr. de Blasio had sidelined her. | But the commissioner, Dr. Oxiris Barbot, had been absent from the briefings for nearly a week, after missing only four of 60 since the outbreak started. And questions had begun to swirl over whether Mr. de Blasio had sidelined her. |
| Dr. Barbot had undoubtedly hit a rough patch. | Dr. Barbot had undoubtedly hit a rough patch. |
| On May 7, The New York Times reported that Mr. de Blasio had shifted the job of contact tracing for the virus out of the Health Department, which has historically led such efforts, and to the agency that runs the city’s public hospitals. | On May 7, The New York Times reported that Mr. de Blasio had shifted the job of contact tracing for the virus out of the Health Department, which has historically led such efforts, and to the agency that runs the city’s public hospitals. |
| About a week later, The New York Post reported that in March, during the outbreak’s chaotic early days, Dr. Barbot and a police commander had a heated confrontation over the distribution of personal protective gear to health care workers and police officers. | About a week later, The New York Post reported that in March, during the outbreak’s chaotic early days, Dr. Barbot and a police commander had a heated confrontation over the distribution of personal protective gear to health care workers and police officers. |
| Dr. Barbot, The Post reported, told the commander, “I don’t give two rats’ asses about your cops.” | Dr. Barbot, The Post reported, told the commander, “I don’t give two rats’ asses about your cops.” |
| The mayor pointedly said at a news conference on Friday that he had not spoken to Dr. Barbot in “a couple of days.” She did not attend a City Council hearing about contact tracing that day. | The mayor pointedly said at a news conference on Friday that he had not spoken to Dr. Barbot in “a couple of days.” She did not attend a City Council hearing about contact tracing that day. |
| On Monday, Dr. Barbot apologized publicly for the comments about the police. And on Tuesday, she was back for the daily briefing, participating by video link. | On Monday, Dr. Barbot apologized publicly for the comments about the police. And on Tuesday, she was back for the daily briefing, participating by video link. |
| How a Queens Pastor Tends to His Flock From Six Feet Away | How a Queens Pastor Tends to His Flock From Six Feet Away |
| Coronavirus Raged at Rikers, Leaving 1,259 Guards Infected and 6 Dead | Coronavirus Raged at Rikers, Leaving 1,259 Guards Infected and 6 Dead |
| Hasidic School With 60 Children Is Closed for Violating Virus Ban | Hasidic School With 60 Children Is Closed for Violating Virus Ban |
| Pandemic Lockdown Halts Hudson Valley’s Booming Film Industry | Pandemic Lockdown Halts Hudson Valley’s Booming Film Industry |
| 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 Metropolitan Transportation Authority is rolling out 230 ultraviolet lamps on subways and buses to help eradicate the coronavirus. [New York Post] | The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is rolling out 230 ultraviolet lamps on subways and buses to help eradicate the coronavirus. [New York Post] |
| Updated June 24, 2020 | |
| Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles. | |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| The Queens district attorney and the acting borough president will host a virtual Memorial Day observance ceremony. [QNS.com] | The Queens district attorney and the acting borough president will host a virtual Memorial Day observance ceremony. [QNS.com] |
| A dumpling shop set to open in July in the East Village will use automat service — where customers can order and get food without interacting with anyone. [Eater New York] | A dumpling shop set to open in July in the East Village will use automat service — where customers can order and get food without interacting with anyone. [Eater New York] |
| The Times’s Charanna Alexander writes: | The Times’s Charanna Alexander writes: |
| For many people, a marriage proposal involves months of planning, ring shopping and, of course, creating the perfect moment for that ultimate surprise. But when the coronavirus started to spread globally, followed by stay-at-home guidelines and the closure of restaurants and public spaces, plans to propose in exotic locales or fancy restaurants came to a screeching halt. | For many people, a marriage proposal involves months of planning, ring shopping and, of course, creating the perfect moment for that ultimate surprise. But when the coronavirus started to spread globally, followed by stay-at-home guidelines and the closure of restaurants and public spaces, plans to propose in exotic locales or fancy restaurants came to a screeching halt. |
| Many quarantined couples, however, decided to press on with their plans. | Many quarantined couples, however, decided to press on with their plans. |
| Christopher Bent of New York told The Times: | Christopher Bent of New York told The Times: |
| The whole city was on lockdown, so I decided to lock this down, too. At a time when everyone has to categorize what is essential in life or not, it’s easy to see who is essential in your own life. We got engaged on March 20, on our apartment building’s rooftop surrounded by the skyline, with a bottle of champagne and zero bystanders. | The whole city was on lockdown, so I decided to lock this down, too. At a time when everyone has to categorize what is essential in life or not, it’s easy to see who is essential in your own life. We got engaged on March 20, on our apartment building’s rooftop surrounded by the skyline, with a bottle of champagne and zero bystanders. |
| Daniel MacGregor, also a New Yorker, wrote: | Daniel MacGregor, also a New Yorker, wrote: |
| My girlfriend, Paulina, and I decided to have a romantic dinner to celebrate us having lived together for three years. Halfway through dinner, Paulina started to say that she was grateful that I came back to New York from Mexico to be with her during the pandemic. My dad had needed surgery, and I’d spent a few weeks in Mexico (where we’re both from) to be with my dad and my family. While there, the pandemic broke out. | My girlfriend, Paulina, and I decided to have a romantic dinner to celebrate us having lived together for three years. Halfway through dinner, Paulina started to say that she was grateful that I came back to New York from Mexico to be with her during the pandemic. My dad had needed surgery, and I’d spent a few weeks in Mexico (where we’re both from) to be with my dad and my family. While there, the pandemic broke out. |
| It was important to me that we stay together, so I traveled back to New York on March 21. During our dinner on April 1, I had the engagement ring hidden inside a box of Flanax, so I went to get it from the desk drawer and Paulina was confused as to why I needed medicine so abruptly while she was speaking. I got the ring out from the box of medicine and got down on one knee. We both started laughing and crying. I asked her if she wanted to marry me, and she said yes. | It was important to me that we stay together, so I traveled back to New York on March 21. During our dinner on April 1, I had the engagement ring hidden inside a box of Flanax, so I went to get it from the desk drawer and Paulina was confused as to why I needed medicine so abruptly while she was speaking. I got the ring out from the box of medicine and got down on one knee. We both started laughing and crying. I asked her if she wanted to marry me, and she said yes. |
| It’s Wednesday — surprise someone. | It’s Wednesday — surprise someone. |
| Dear Diary: | Dear Diary: |
| It was January, and I was home from college visiting my father on the Upper West Side. | It was January, and I was home from college visiting my father on the Upper West Side. |
| While I was in New York, I relished making plans way downtown that would give me the chance to get a good stroll in. Unfortunately, that often meant braving the madness of Midtown. | While I was in New York, I relished making plans way downtown that would give me the chance to get a good stroll in. Unfortunately, that often meant braving the madness of Midtown. |
| On one chilly night, I was near 39th Street when a huge truck swerved around some parked cars and pulled up to a red light way too close to me. | On one chilly night, I was near 39th Street when a huge truck swerved around some parked cars and pulled up to a red light way too close to me. |
| I lost it. Pure rage. Every curse I could string together flew out of my mouth. I even banged the side of the truck’s cab with my open palm. | I lost it. Pure rage. Every curse I could string together flew out of my mouth. I even banged the side of the truck’s cab with my open palm. |
| I could see the steam pulsing off me as I waited for the driver’s response. I was ready to escalate. | I could see the steam pulsing off me as I waited for the driver’s response. I was ready to escalate. |
| But after a beat, he smiled. | But after a beat, he smiled. |
| “That was pretty good,” he said through the truck’s open window. | “That was pretty good,” he said through the truck’s open window. |
| My fury dissipated immediately. And as it did, a new warmth filled my cheeks. Pride. | My fury dissipated immediately. And as it did, a new warmth filled my cheeks. Pride. |
| I loosened my scarf and kept walking downtown, leaving Midtown’s mad heat behind. | I loosened my scarf and kept walking downtown, leaving Midtown’s mad heat behind. |
| — Victoria Bata | — Victoria Bata |
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