'Can the ‘Melting Pot of Humanity’ Survive This?' diff viewer (14/15)

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Can the ‘Melting Pot of Humanity’ Survive This?	Can the ‘Melting Pot of Humanity’ Survive This?
2020-06-17 02:36:40 UTC	2020-06-17 15:51:13 UTC (about 13 hours later)
This summer was supposed to be big for Coney Island.	This summer was supposed to be big for Coney Island.
Memorial Day weekend would mark the 100th anniversary of the Wonder Wheel, Coney Island’s 15-story feat of engineering in the form of a Ferris wheel, with swinging cars and panoramic views of both city and ocean. A three-day centennial celebration was planned, including a performance by the Broadway cast of “Wicked.”	Memorial Day weekend would mark the 100th anniversary of the Wonder Wheel, Coney Island’s 15-story feat of engineering in the form of a Ferris wheel, with swinging cars and panoramic views of both city and ocean. A three-day centennial celebration was planned, including a performance by the Broadway cast of “Wicked.”
The festivities have been postponed. Instead, Dennis and Steve Vourderis, brothers and second-generation owners of Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, are taking part in an online video series called “Deno’s Days of Distancing Together.”	The festivities have been postponed. Instead, Dennis and Steve Vourderis, brothers and second-generation owners of Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, are taking part in an online video series called “Deno’s Days of Distancing Together.”
Dick Zigun, known locally as the “unelected mayor of Coney Island” and head of the nonprofit behind the popular Mermaid Parade, has also pivoted. Now he’s dressing in a top hat and “mayor” sash to give weekly “State of Coney Island” addresses online. Recently, he initiated a face mask design contest, possibly in an attempt to engage creative New Yorkers who would typically be making mermaid costumes around now.	Dick Zigun, known locally as the “unelected mayor of Coney Island” and head of the nonprofit behind the popular Mermaid Parade, has also pivoted. Now he’s dressing in a top hat and “mayor” sash to give weekly “State of Coney Island” addresses online. Recently, he initiated a face mask design contest, possibly in an attempt to engage creative New Yorkers who would typically be making mermaid costumes around now.
Coney Island “represents popular culture,” Mr. Zigun said. “It’s a release valve for all of New York City.” But whenever New York City begins to reopen, Coney Island’s greatest strength might also be its biggest vulnerability. “Now we have this fear of each other’s bodies, and touching, and sweat,” said Dianna Carlin, the owner of Lola Star Boardwalk Boutique. “Coney Island is the melting pot of humanity, but are people going to want that?”	Coney Island “represents popular culture,” Mr. Zigun said. “It’s a release valve for all of New York City.” But whenever New York City begins to reopen, Coney Island’s greatest strength might also be its biggest vulnerability. “Now we have this fear of each other’s bodies, and touching, and sweat,” said Dianna Carlin, the owner of Lola Star Boardwalk Boutique. “Coney Island is the melting pot of humanity, but are people going to want that?”
They probably won’t want to line up for Luna Park’s four new attractions, including a log flume ride and a ropes course, which were planned for this summer. And Mayor Bill de Blasio’s recent declaration that public beaches opening by Memorial Day Weekend was “not in the cards” has certainly not helped to inspire confidence.	They probably won’t want to line up for Luna Park’s four new attractions, including a log flume ride and a ropes course, which were planned for this summer. And Mayor Bill de Blasio’s recent declaration that public beaches opening by Memorial Day Weekend was “not in the cards” has certainly not helped to inspire confidence.
Even in the best-case scenario, if beaches and nonessential businesses are eventually allowed to reopen under certain guidelines, it’s hard to imagine “the People’s Playground” making any kind of profit this summer without the wild abandon of summer crowds and long lines. It’s the definition of a seasonal business.	Even in the best-case scenario, if beaches and nonessential businesses are eventually allowed to reopen under certain guidelines, it’s hard to imagine “the People’s Playground” making any kind of profit this summer without the wild abandon of summer crowds and long lines. It’s the definition of a seasonal business.
“The whole economic ecosystem is unique,” said Alexandra Silversmith, executive director of the Alliance for Coney Island. “While some other neighborhoods hopefully will be able to fully reopen come fall, for Coney Island that doesn’t really help with any of the 2020 costs these businesses will have incurred.”	“The whole economic ecosystem is unique,” said Alexandra Silversmith, executive director of the Alliance for Coney Island. “While some other neighborhoods hopefully will be able to fully reopen come fall, for Coney Island that doesn’t really help with any of the 2020 costs these businesses will have incurred.”
For Ms. Carlin, who sells handmade T-shirts and accessories out of the boardwalk shop she’s owned for 19 years, a socially distant summer could be the final nail in the coffin. Since the end of last year, she’s been fighting a 400 percent rent increase from Central Amusement International, a developer the city contracted to build Luna Park and manage a portion of the amusement district. (Its parent company, Zamperla, manufactures the park’s rides.)	For Ms. Carlin, who sells handmade T-shirts and accessories out of the boardwalk shop she’s owned for 19 years, a socially distant summer could be the final nail in the coffin. Since the end of last year, she’s been fighting a 400 percent rent increase from Central Amusement International, a developer the city contracted to build Luna Park and manage a portion of the amusement district. (Its parent company, Zamperla, manufactures the park’s rides.)
In December, Ms. Carlin led a protest against the increase on the steps of City Hall, and in February, Mayor Bill de Blasio promised to help on “The Brian Lehrer Show.” But Ms. Carlin said she still hasn’t reached an agreement with her landlord. As spring turns to summer, every week of lost business becomes more dire.	In December, Ms. Carlin led a protest against the increase on the steps of City Hall, and in February, Mayor Bill de Blasio promised to help on “The Brian Lehrer Show.” But Ms. Carlin said she still hasn’t reached an agreement with her landlord. As spring turns to summer, every week of lost business becomes more dire.
“If we’re closed in June, and able to open in July, that’s going to cut our revenue at least one-third of what we’d make for the year,” Ms. Carlin said. She’s been “contemplating whether it’s time to walk away from the retail business” and instead focus on her Dreamland Roller Disco parties, whenever they will be safe for her to produce again.	“If we’re closed in June, and able to open in July, that’s going to cut our revenue at least one-third of what we’d make for the year,” Ms. Carlin said. She’s been “contemplating whether it’s time to walk away from the retail business” and instead focus on her Dreamland Roller Disco parties, whenever they will be safe for her to produce again.
Ruby’s Bar & Grill, which has been serving boardwalk customers since 1934, is another of the six small businesses facing the disaster of a rent hike and revenue loss. Michael Sarrel, the owner of Ruby’s, estimated that business for 2020 would be down 75 percent from 2019. He applied for a loan with the Small Business Administration, but was denied. “It’s a horror show,” he said. “We can’t afford to pay this rent. It’s a hardship to begin with.”	Ruby’s Bar & Grill, which has been serving boardwalk customers since 1934, is another of the six small businesses facing the disaster of a rent hike and revenue loss. Michael Sarrel, the owner of Ruby’s, estimated that business for 2020 would be down 75 percent from 2019. He applied for a loan with the Small Business Administration, but was denied. “It’s a horror show,” he said. “We can’t afford to pay this rent. It’s a hardship to begin with.”
Ms. Carlin wondered if the city might step in and preserve the boardwalk as a cultural treasure of the city. Part of the immediate assistance might include, she suggested, waiving the rent for small businesses this season.	Ms. Carlin wondered if the city might step in and preserve the boardwalk as a cultural treasure of the city. Part of the immediate assistance might include, she suggested, waiving the rent for small businesses this season.
A concrete deal has yet to surface. “This administration is committed to maintaining Coney Island’s character while making investments to ensure it’s resilient, equitable and prepared for the future,” said Julia Arredondo, Mayor de Blasio’s deputy press secretary.	A concrete deal has yet to surface. “This administration is committed to maintaining Coney Island’s character while making investments to ensure it’s resilient, equitable and prepared for the future,” said Julia Arredondo, Mayor de Blasio’s deputy press secretary.
Alessandro Zamperla, the president of Central Amusement International, wrote in a statement: “We look forward to hearing from the City of New York concerning an economic path forward.” He conceded that the damages caused by the pandemic to Coney Island’s seasonal small businesses had been “considerable.”	Alessandro Zamperla, the president of Central Amusement International, wrote in a statement: “We look forward to hearing from the City of New York concerning an economic path forward.” He conceded that the damages caused by the pandemic to Coney Island’s seasonal small businesses had been “considerable.”
Mr. Sarrel of Ruby’s said he’s still preparing for an eventual opening. He’s installing new awnings, clearing the beer lines, and turning on the ice machine and freezers. Now that the weather is warmer, he is doing takeout on weekends, selling burgers, fried shrimp, and bottles of beer to masked pedestrians and bikers on the boardwalk, though business has been modest. “I think people are tentative about coming into any place now,” he said.	Mr. Sarrel of Ruby’s said he’s still preparing for an eventual opening. He’s installing new awnings, clearing the beer lines, and turning on the ice machine and freezers. Now that the weather is warmer, he is doing takeout on weekends, selling burgers, fried shrimp, and bottles of beer to masked pedestrians and bikers on the boardwalk, though business has been modest. “I think people are tentative about coming into any place now,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dennis Vourderis, of Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, has been hashing out the logistics of what a reopened Deno’s might look like this summer.	Meanwhile, Dennis Vourderis, of Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, has been hashing out the logistics of what a reopened Deno’s might look like this summer.
“We’ll have a number of sanitizing crews that will go from ride to ride,” wiping down anything visitors touch, he said. Other changes include hand-sanitizing stations, a touchless ticketing system, and markers to keep guests six feet apart. Rides with individual cars, like the Wonder Wheel and the Spook-a-rama haunted house, will be the easiest to operate under social distancing guidelines, Mr. Vourderis said.	“We’ll have a number of sanitizing crews that will go from ride to ride,” wiping down anything visitors touch, he said. Other changes include hand-sanitizing stations, a touchless ticketing system, and markers to keep guests six feet apart. Rides with individual cars, like the Wonder Wheel and the Spook-a-rama haunted house, will be the easiest to operate under social distancing guidelines, Mr. Vourderis said.
In mid-May, the Vourderis brothers opened two of their concession stands for takeout.	In mid-May, the Vourderis brothers opened two of their concession stands for takeout.
Eight of the park’s 15 full-time staff are currently working, and the park is waiting to hire roughly 75 summer employees, should it get a green light of any sort. Mr. Vourderis said that the amusement park has been approved for several loans so far from the federal government’s Small Business Administration.	Eight of the park’s 15 full-time staff are currently working, and the park is waiting to hire roughly 75 summer employees, should it get a green light of any sort. Mr. Vourderis said that the amusement park has been approved for several loans so far from the federal government’s Small Business Administration.
The canceled spring season, typically bustling with locals on weekends and film and television shoots on weekdays, has already taken a significant toll. In January, Deno’s had announced an expansion that would nearly double the adult section of the park. They’d been planning to open the area next year, Mr. Vourderis said, but were counting on profits from this year to help with the financing. “We’re hoping that either additional loans come through or we get to open our gates soon,” he said. “Bear in mind that we only have five months to make this money.”	The canceled spring season, typically bustling with locals on weekends and film and television shoots on weekdays, has already taken a significant toll. In January, Deno’s had announced an expansion that would nearly double the adult section of the park. They’d been planning to open the area next year, Mr. Vourderis said, but were counting on profits from this year to help with the financing. “We’re hoping that either additional loans come through or we get to open our gates soon,” he said. “Bear in mind that we only have five months to make this money.”
Mr. Zigun, meanwhile, is holding out hope that the annual Mermaid Parade, which drew an estimated 800,000 people last year, will be able to take place in the fall (he has already announced two Broadway playwrights as parade King and Queen). But he’s uncertain whether the Coney Island Circus Sideshow, or the Coney Island Museum, also run by his nonprofit, will be able to open this year.	Mr. Zigun, meanwhile, is holding out hope that the annual Mermaid Parade, which drew an estimated 800,000 people last year, will be able to take place in the fall (he has already announced two Broadway playwrights as parade King and Queen). But he’s uncertain whether the Coney Island Circus Sideshow, or the Coney Island Museum, also run by his nonprofit, will be able to open this year.
Updated June 16, 2020	Updated 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.
His organization, Coney Island USA, is fortunate to own its landmark Spanish Colonial Revival building on Surf Avenue. The group was approved for a loan from the Small Business Administration, though Mr. Zigun noted that any performances are a long way off, as arts venues are in the last phase of New York State’s reopening plan.	His organization, Coney Island USA, is fortunate to own its landmark Spanish Colonial Revival building on Surf Avenue. The group was approved for a loan from the Small Business Administration, though Mr. Zigun noted that any performances are a long way off, as arts venues are in the last phase of New York State’s reopening plan.