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New York Prepares for Two More Regions to Open New York Prepares for Two More Regions to Open
(7 days later)
With the Mid-Hudson and Long Island regions poised to start reopening this week, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced new public transit safety measures on Sunday in an effort to ensure public health as those areas emerge from lockdown.With the Mid-Hudson and Long Island regions poised to start reopening this week, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced new public transit safety measures on Sunday in an effort to ensure public health as those areas emerge from lockdown.
Long Island Rail Road trains will add more cars to create more space for travelers, who will be required to wear face masks while riding, the governor said.Long Island Rail Road trains will add more cars to create more space for travelers, who will be required to wear face masks while riding, the governor said.
“They’re going to add more cars to the trains so people can space out and socially distance when Long Island opens,” Mr. Cuomo said Sunday during his daily briefing at Jones Beach on Long Island.“They’re going to add more cars to the trains so people can space out and socially distance when Long Island opens,” Mr. Cuomo said Sunday during his daily briefing at Jones Beach on Long Island.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is running some 700 trains along the Long Island Rail Road under its coronavirus-era reduced service plan. In anticipation of a gradual reopening of Nassau and Suffolk counties, the M.T.A. is planning to add up to 105 train cars to its current capacity, an increase of roughly 15 percent, said an agency spokeswoman, Abbey Collins.The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is running some 700 trains along the Long Island Rail Road under its coronavirus-era reduced service plan. In anticipation of a gradual reopening of Nassau and Suffolk counties, the M.T.A. is planning to add up to 105 train cars to its current capacity, an increase of roughly 15 percent, said an agency spokeswoman, Abbey Collins.
It will also store extra train cars in 15 yards across the system, in case additional cars need to be quickly deployed.It will also store extra train cars in 15 yards across the system, in case additional cars need to be quickly deployed.
The M.T.A. is expected to announce capacity enhancements for Metro-North Railroad riders this week, too, Ms. Collins said. The Metro-North Railroad serves much of the Mid-Hudson region, which is set to begin reopening on Tuesday.The M.T.A. is expected to announce capacity enhancements for Metro-North Railroad riders this week, too, Ms. Collins said. The Metro-North Railroad serves much of the Mid-Hudson region, which is set to begin reopening on Tuesday.
Among the other announcements from Mr. Cuomo’s briefing:Among the other announcements from Mr. Cuomo’s briefing:
All professional sports teams in New York will be able to begin training camps, effective immediately. “I believe that sports that can come back without having people in the stadium, without having people in the arena — do it,” Gov. Cuomo said.All professional sports teams in New York will be able to begin training camps, effective immediately. “I believe that sports that can come back without having people in the stadium, without having people in the arena — do it,” Gov. Cuomo said.
New York State’s extensive array of campgrounds and R.V. parks will reopen starting Monday.New York State’s extensive array of campgrounds and R.V. parks will reopen starting Monday.
Veterinarians will be allowed to perform non-emergency care starting Tuesday. “That’s a service that is necessary and has been necessary for a period of time,” the governor said.Veterinarians will be allowed to perform non-emergency care starting Tuesday. “That’s a service that is necessary and has been necessary for a period of time,” the governor said.
New York had 109 new deaths due to the virus, 27 of which were in nursing homes. That was an increase from the 84 deaths reported Saturday, which was the first time since late March that the daily toll was less than 100.New York had 109 new deaths due to the virus, 27 of which were in nursing homes. That was an increase from the 84 deaths reported Saturday, which was the first time since late March that the daily toll was less than 100.
Days after President Trump demanded that the nation’s places of worship reopen “right away,” Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey said the state would like to do so “sooner rather than later” but cautioned that he did not know when they could be safely opened.Days after President Trump demanded that the nation’s places of worship reopen “right away,” Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey said the state would like to do so “sooner rather than later” but cautioned that he did not know when they could be safely opened.
“We want to make sure we do it right, responsibly, and that we don’t kill anybody by doing it too fast,” Mr. Murphy said Sunday during an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union.”“We want to make sure we do it right, responsibly, and that we don’t kill anybody by doing it too fast,” Mr. Murphy said Sunday during an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union.”
As of Sunday, houses of worship in more than half of the states could legally open, but many had decided to remain shut for now. Many that are considering opening for in-person worship soon have been mapping out new seating arrangements or foot traffic flow.As of Sunday, houses of worship in more than half of the states could legally open, but many had decided to remain shut for now. Many that are considering opening for in-person worship soon have been mapping out new seating arrangements or foot traffic flow.
Mr. Murphy, who said he had been in contact with President Trump on Friday — the day the president commented on reopening houses of worship — said on CNN that “bad factors,” including lack of ventilation and close seating arrangements in houses of worship needed to be considered in determining when they could open.Mr. Murphy, who said he had been in contact with President Trump on Friday — the day the president commented on reopening houses of worship — said on CNN that “bad factors,” including lack of ventilation and close seating arrangements in houses of worship needed to be considered in determining when they could open.
“I think we’ll get there, but I can’t tell you when,” Mr. Murphy said.“I think we’ll get there, but I can’t tell you when,” Mr. Murphy said.
Later on Sunday, Mr. Murphy announced on social media that the state had 52 new deaths due to the virus, down from 96 reported on Saturday. He reported 1,065 new confirmed cases of the virus, for a total of 154,154 in the state.Later on Sunday, Mr. Murphy announced on social media that the state had 52 new deaths due to the virus, down from 96 reported on Saturday. He reported 1,065 new confirmed cases of the virus, for a total of 154,154 in the state.
New York City’s parks and beaches were oddly subdued on Sunday, with cooler weather and public safety measures dampening any potential Memorial Day weekend celebrations.New York City’s parks and beaches were oddly subdued on Sunday, with cooler weather and public safety measures dampening any potential Memorial Day weekend celebrations.
At Coney Island in Brooklyn, there were no swimmers in the water and no barbecues set up in the sand. The boardwalk was full of police officers encouraging social distancing, and highway signs on Interstate 278 reminded beachgoers, “No Swimming. No BBQ. Social Distance Enforced.” New York City’s beaches remain closed for swimming, but residents may still walk on or sit on the sand.At Coney Island in Brooklyn, there were no swimmers in the water and no barbecues set up in the sand. The boardwalk was full of police officers encouraging social distancing, and highway signs on Interstate 278 reminded beachgoers, “No Swimming. No BBQ. Social Distance Enforced.” New York City’s beaches remain closed for swimming, but residents may still walk on or sit on the sand.
As temperatures hovered around the mid-60s, a few kites were still in the air, a few metal detectors were combing the beach, and many Nathan’s hot dogs were sold.As temperatures hovered around the mid-60s, a few kites were still in the air, a few metal detectors were combing the beach, and many Nathan’s hot dogs were sold.
Saul Estrada, 25, a supermarket worker who lives in Brentwood, N.Y., said he felt he had to get out of his house, though seeing Coney Island so empty did not help much.Saul Estrada, 25, a supermarket worker who lives in Brentwood, N.Y., said he felt he had to get out of his house, though seeing Coney Island so empty did not help much.
“At this moment, it feel a little sad because the past year this was full of people,” he said. “I’m feeling sad.”“At this moment, it feel a little sad because the past year this was full of people,” he said. “I’m feeling sad.”
At Asbury Park Beach on the Jersey Shore, some people walked along the boardwalk, many of them wearing masks. Arcade staples like Skee-Ball and miniature golf were dark, and normally packed parking lots had plenty of open spaces.At Asbury Park Beach on the Jersey Shore, some people walked along the boardwalk, many of them wearing masks. Arcade staples like Skee-Ball and miniature golf were dark, and normally packed parking lots had plenty of open spaces.
In Queens, Jacob Riis Park was a bit more crowded, but regulars still felt it was painfully empty.In Queens, Jacob Riis Park was a bit more crowded, but regulars still felt it was painfully empty.
Dean Esposito, 58, a bus driver who lives in Astoria said it was “depressing.”Dean Esposito, 58, a bus driver who lives in Astoria said it was “depressing.”
“I mean, I’m out with my friends and all that,” Mr. Esposito said, “but I wish we could do a lot more than we’re doing.”“I mean, I’m out with my friends and all that,” Mr. Esposito said, “but I wish we could do a lot more than we’re doing.”
Dolly and Amaya Diaz were hoping to spend July and August in the sun, playing softball. Nael Genao was planning a big trip to the Dominican Republic. Amy Tsai’s five children were supposed to be in math programs or day camp, finally leaving her time and space to catch up on work.Dolly and Amaya Diaz were hoping to spend July and August in the sun, playing softball. Nael Genao was planning a big trip to the Dominican Republic. Amy Tsai’s five children were supposed to be in math programs or day camp, finally leaving her time and space to catch up on work.
When New York City’s public schools shuttered in March, it was hard to imagine that the city’s 1.1 million public school students and their families would still be in lockdown at the end of the school year.When New York City’s public schools shuttered in March, it was hard to imagine that the city’s 1.1 million public school students and their families would still be in lockdown at the end of the school year.
But with quarantine now looking like the new normal in the national epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak, families across New York are steeling themselves.But with quarantine now looking like the new normal in the national epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak, families across New York are steeling themselves.
“It’s been tough so far on our kids, it’s going to in some ways be even tougher as the summer goes on,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said last week.“It’s been tough so far on our kids, it’s going to in some ways be even tougher as the summer goes on,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said last week.
Nearly 180,000 children will be asked to attend summer school, but that still leaves about 85 percent of public school students with little to do in July and August. Pools will be closed through the summer, and city beaches are currently closed for swimming.Nearly 180,000 children will be asked to attend summer school, but that still leaves about 85 percent of public school students with little to do in July and August. Pools will be closed through the summer, and city beaches are currently closed for swimming.
The Times is regularly profiling essential workers in the New York region during the pandemic.The Times is regularly profiling essential workers in the New York region during the pandemic.
Why has your city-run building remained open to the public during the pandemic lockdown?Why has your city-run building remained open to the public during the pandemic lockdown?
We had to stay open because we have offices that issue permits. So now we have to protect the people who use the building. We take pride in the fact that what we’re doing is keeping people healthy.We had to stay open because we have offices that issue permits. So now we have to protect the people who use the building. We take pride in the fact that what we’re doing is keeping people healthy.
What has the cleaning routine become?What has the cleaning routine become?
At least four or five times during the day, we wipe anything people touch. We use heavy doses of bleach at nighttime, when the building is empty. We do floors, bathrooms; we wipe down railings, handles, doorknobs, stalls, toilets, so that everything is sanitized in the morning when everyone comes in. If the bleach fumes get too strong, you step out and get some air and take a breather.At least four or five times during the day, we wipe anything people touch. We use heavy doses of bleach at nighttime, when the building is empty. We do floors, bathrooms; we wipe down railings, handles, doorknobs, stalls, toilets, so that everything is sanitized in the morning when everyone comes in. If the bleach fumes get too strong, you step out and get some air and take a breather.
Updated July 16, 2020 Updated July 22, 2020
Has the outbreak made the custodians’ job harder?Has the outbreak made the custodians’ job harder?
Psychologically, it can beat you up, it can. Sometimes it can eat at your morale. But we all pull together for each other, make sure nobody falls behind.Psychologically, it can beat you up, it can. Sometimes it can eat at your morale. But we all pull together for each other, make sure nobody falls behind.
Working nights, what’s it like taking the subway home late at night?Working nights, what’s it like taking the subway home late at night?
It can be scary. There are very few people aside from essential workers, people who have to be out there.It can be scary. There are very few people aside from essential workers, people who have to be out there.
Sounds like the outbreak has made this more of a public service job.Sounds like the outbreak has made this more of a public service job.
My father served on the community board in Brooklyn and he taught me to value public service and not to expect recognition.My father served on the community board in Brooklyn and he taught me to value public service and not to expect recognition.
Salah-Deen Fouathia, an eighth grader at Voice Charter School in Queens, was struggling in school. It was hard to pay attention. Math was a challenge. His grades in health class weren’t great.Salah-Deen Fouathia, an eighth grader at Voice Charter School in Queens, was struggling in school. It was hard to pay attention. Math was a challenge. His grades in health class weren’t great.
Then the coronavirus hit, schools closed, and teachers were forced to teach remotely.Then the coronavirus hit, schools closed, and teachers were forced to teach remotely.
For the vast majority of students, remote learning is a poor substitute for being in the classroom. But one unexpected silver lining of the shutdown has been an improved learning experience for certain students, including some high-achieving self-starters, and students like Fouathia who struggle to pay attention in class.For the vast majority of students, remote learning is a poor substitute for being in the classroom. But one unexpected silver lining of the shutdown has been an improved learning experience for certain students, including some high-achieving self-starters, and students like Fouathia who struggle to pay attention in class.
There are enough students benefiting from this crash course in remote learning that parents and educators are wondering if, when buildings reopen, there are aspects that can be continued for these students, as well as lessons that can apply to everyone else.There are enough students benefiting from this crash course in remote learning that parents and educators are wondering if, when buildings reopen, there are aspects that can be continued for these students, as well as lessons that can apply to everyone else.
For some, the lack of distractions like disruptive classmates, or simply not being in a room filled with other children, has been a boon. Others have taken advantage of the ability, when offered by their teachers, to work at their own pace and take breaks when they want.For some, the lack of distractions like disruptive classmates, or simply not being in a room filled with other children, has been a boon. Others have taken advantage of the ability, when offered by their teachers, to work at their own pace and take breaks when they want.
Some students have found it easier to participate in remote classes without the social pressures of a physical classroom. Introverts who are the last to volunteer an answer in class, even when they know it, are now making themselves heard.Some students have found it easier to participate in remote classes without the social pressures of a physical classroom. Introverts who are the last to volunteer an answer in class, even when they know it, are now making themselves heard.
“Kids who would not have put a hand up at the end of a lesson are now emailing me,” said Mike Drosos, a seventh-grade math teacher at Voice Charter. He said that it seemed to help those students “when the teacher isn’t making direct eye contact six inches from their desk.”“Kids who would not have put a hand up at the end of a lesson are now emailing me,” said Mike Drosos, a seventh-grade math teacher at Voice Charter. He said that it seemed to help those students “when the teacher isn’t making direct eye contact six inches from their desk.”
In early March, doctors at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway identified the first Covid-19 patient in Queens. In the weeks that followed, the hospital was overwhelmed with Covid cases, and the morgue overflowed with the deceased.In early March, doctors at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway identified the first Covid-19 patient in Queens. In the weeks that followed, the hospital was overwhelmed with Covid cases, and the morgue overflowed with the deceased.
St. John’s is the only hospital on the Rockaway peninsula, a thin strip of land where around 130,000 people live. The area includes some of the New York City neighborhoods with the highest rates of virus-related deaths.St. John’s is the only hospital on the Rockaway peninsula, a thin strip of land where around 130,000 people live. The area includes some of the New York City neighborhoods with the highest rates of virus-related deaths.
“We’re surrounded by nursing homes,” said Dr. Teddy Lee, head of the emergency department at St. John’s. “We were hit hard.”“We’re surrounded by nursing homes,” said Dr. Teddy Lee, head of the emergency department at St. John’s. “We were hit hard.”
Now, there is an uneasy lull, and the staff fears a second wave will come.Now, there is an uneasy lull, and the staff fears a second wave will come.
In a New York Times video, St. John’s staff members shared the difficult choices they made during the peak of the outbreak, as hospital workers began to reckon with the pandemic’s emotional toll.In a New York Times video, St. John’s staff members shared the difficult choices they made during the peak of the outbreak, as hospital workers began to reckon with the pandemic’s emotional toll.
Gary Hillard, a morgue attendant, said in the video that he had probably handled about 150 bodies. “It’s starting to tap into my pain,” he said.Gary Hillard, a morgue attendant, said in the video that he had probably handled about 150 bodies. “It’s starting to tap into my pain,” he said.
As The New York Times follows the spread of the coronavirus across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, we need your help. We want to talk to doctors, nurses, lab technicians, respiratory therapists, emergency services workers, nursing home managers — anyone who can share what’s happening in the region’s hospitals and other health care centers.As The New York Times follows the spread of the coronavirus across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, we need your help. We want to talk to doctors, nurses, lab technicians, respiratory therapists, emergency services workers, nursing home managers — anyone who can share what’s happening in the region’s hospitals and other health care centers.
A reporter or editor may contact you. Your information will not be published without your consent.A reporter or editor may contact you. Your information will not be published without your consent.
Reporting was contributed by Lauren Hard, Corey Kilgannon, Joel Petterson, Dana Rubinstein, Andrea Salcedo, Nate Schweber and Matt Stevens.Reporting was contributed by Lauren Hard, Corey Kilgannon, Joel Petterson, Dana Rubinstein, Andrea Salcedo, Nate Schweber and Matt Stevens.