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Summer in Lockdown: 5 Families Mull a Spoiled Season Summer in Lockdown: 5 Families Mull a Spoiled Season
(6 days later)
Dolly and Amaya Diaz were hoping to spend July and August in the sun, playing softball. Nael Genao was planning a big trip out of the country. 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 out of the country. 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.
Here’s how parents and children in each of the five boroughs are preparing for a strange summer.Here’s how parents and children in each of the five boroughs are preparing for a strange summer.
Nael Genao had her family’s summer agenda all settled before the coronavirus hit the city. They were going to take a long-awaited trip to the Dominican Republic, and hold their annual July 4 party, which coincides with Ms. Genao’s birthday on July 3.Nael Genao had her family’s summer agenda all settled before the coronavirus hit the city. They were going to take a long-awaited trip to the Dominican Republic, and hold their annual July 4 party, which coincides with Ms. Genao’s birthday on July 3.
Ms. Genao’s son, Adrian, 16, had planned to find a job through the city’s summer youth employment program, save up some money and spend his free time playing basketball. Her daughter, Arianna, 10, was going to attend a voluntary summer school program.Ms. Genao’s son, Adrian, 16, had planned to find a job through the city’s summer youth employment program, save up some money and spend his free time playing basketball. Her daughter, Arianna, 10, was going to attend a voluntary summer school program.
But the youth employment program has been canceled, and schools are unlikely to reopen this summer.But the youth employment program has been canceled, and schools are unlikely to reopen this summer.
“We have to come up with a plan,” Ms. Genao said.“We have to come up with a plan,” Ms. Genao said.
If it is safe, Ms. Genao’s husband will return to work at a building supply company, and Adrian may join him there part-time.If it is safe, Ms. Genao’s husband will return to work at a building supply company, and Adrian may join him there part-time.
Ms. Genao is building an exercise regimen that she and Arianna can practice in a neighborhood park, away from Bushwick’s crowded commercial stretches.Ms. Genao is building an exercise regimen that she and Arianna can practice in a neighborhood park, away from Bushwick’s crowded commercial stretches.
She said she had made her peace with the fact that her family will have few summer options. Instead, she’s focused on the fall, when she hopes she can return to work at the nearby preschool and embrace her students again.She said she had made her peace with the fact that her family will have few summer options. Instead, she’s focused on the fall, when she hopes she can return to work at the nearby preschool and embrace her students again.
“You have two choices,” she said. “You complain all the time and miss everything. Or you just find a way to be happy.”“You have two choices,” she said. “You complain all the time and miss everything. Or you just find a way to be happy.”
After Gicel Perez, a freshman at the University at Buffalo, decided to major in public health, she made what seemed like the perfect plan for the summer: She would volunteer at Elmhurst Hospital, just a few blocks from her family’s apartment.After Gicel Perez, a freshman at the University at Buffalo, decided to major in public health, she made what seemed like the perfect plan for the summer: She would volunteer at Elmhurst Hospital, just a few blocks from her family’s apartment.
But shortly after Ms. Perez, 18, came home for spring break, Elmhurst became the hardest-hit hospital in the city. She never went back to Buffalo, and instead spent March and April listening to the stream of sirens blaring outside.But shortly after Ms. Perez, 18, came home for spring break, Elmhurst became the hardest-hit hospital in the city. She never went back to Buffalo, and instead spent March and April listening to the stream of sirens blaring outside.
The crisis at Elmhurst made her mother and stepfather anxious, so the family has not left their two-bedroom apartment much.The crisis at Elmhurst made her mother and stepfather anxious, so the family has not left their two-bedroom apartment much.
“It’s like bumper cars in here,” Ms. Perez said.“It’s like bumper cars in here,” Ms. Perez said.
She and her two younger brothers sleep in bunk beds in one bedroom, and the boys sometimes burst through the door when she is studying.She and her two younger brothers sleep in bunk beds in one bedroom, and the boys sometimes burst through the door when she is studying.
In the living room, her mother, an immigrant from Mexico, takes English classes on a laptop.In the living room, her mother, an immigrant from Mexico, takes English classes on a laptop.
Ms. Perez’s stepfather, who recently lost his job as a driver delivering produce to restaurants, has been trying to stay active by doing Zoom workouts with his brothers.Ms. Perez’s stepfather, who recently lost his job as a driver delivering produce to restaurants, has been trying to stay active by doing Zoom workouts with his brothers.
She goes out only to volunteer with a group that delivers food and supplies to families in Jackson Heights.She goes out only to volunteer with a group that delivers food and supplies to families in Jackson Heights.
Ms. Perez has already dug into her savings from a job at Old Navy last summer to help pay for groceries. Her school offers online summer classes, but her financial aid package does not cover them.Ms. Perez has already dug into her savings from a job at Old Navy last summer to help pay for groceries. Her school offers online summer classes, but her financial aid package does not cover them.
While watching her brothers ride their bicycles in circles around their small garage, she daydreams about being back at college.While watching her brothers ride their bicycles in circles around their small garage, she daydreams about being back at college.
“I’m hoping and praying that next year is way better,” she said, “and that the pandemic ends soon so that I can get back on track.”“I’m hoping and praying that next year is way better,” she said, “and that the pandemic ends soon so that I can get back on track.”
Amy Tsai’s challenge for the summer is making it as bearable as possible for her five children, who range in age from 5 to 14.Amy Tsai’s challenge for the summer is making it as bearable as possible for her five children, who range in age from 5 to 14.
The summer typically looks much like the school year: Her eldest son, Seanmichael’s McClanahan, who is on the autism spectrum and visually impaired, attends school year-round to receive specialized services. He is one of thousands of children with disabilities whose crucial routines have been upended during the crisis.The summer typically looks much like the school year: Her eldest son, Seanmichael’s McClanahan, who is on the autism spectrum and visually impaired, attends school year-round to receive specialized services. He is one of thousands of children with disabilities whose crucial routines have been upended during the crisis.
Seanmichael’s will be one of nearly 28,000 students with advanced special needs who will continue remote learning through July and most of August. But he will miss the familiarity of being with his classmates in person, which is especially important given his needs, his mother said.Seanmichael’s will be one of nearly 28,000 students with advanced special needs who will continue remote learning through July and most of August. But he will miss the familiarity of being with his classmates in person, which is especially important given his needs, his mother said.
Two of Ms. Tsai’s other children always looked forward to their summer day camp, and the other two previously attended a summer math and engineering program at their local public school.Two of Ms. Tsai’s other children always looked forward to their summer day camp, and the other two previously attended a summer math and engineering program at their local public school.
This year, she will try some free online learning classes for her youngest children in the hopes of getting them ready for school again.This year, she will try some free online learning classes for her youngest children in the hopes of getting them ready for school again.
Ms. Tsai said she has become more grateful for simple pleasures as the quarantine has dragged on. Summer fun this year will likely be limited to excursions to a nearby park with a running track and strolls around the neighborhood.Ms. Tsai said she has become more grateful for simple pleasures as the quarantine has dragged on. Summer fun this year will likely be limited to excursions to a nearby park with a running track and strolls around the neighborhood.
“Those little things you don’t usually appreciate, we definitely will now,” she said.“Those little things you don’t usually appreciate, we definitely will now,” she said.
Summer means softball for Dolly and Amaya, 17-year-old twins who have been playing the game since they were toddlers.Summer means softball for Dolly and Amaya, 17-year-old twins who have been playing the game since they were toddlers.
And this summer was going to be a culmination of all those years of practice: The girls were going to travel to Florida for their last year of training camp, and coach and mentor younger players at their school, DREAM Charter. The school is planning to keep a version of the program going online if lockdown does not lift in the summer.And this summer was going to be a culmination of all those years of practice: The girls were going to travel to Florida for their last year of training camp, and coach and mentor younger players at their school, DREAM Charter. The school is planning to keep a version of the program going online if lockdown does not lift in the summer.
Updated June 16, 2020 Updated 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.
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.
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.
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.
“I would rather be safe in my house than go outside and risk me getting the virus,” said Amaya.“I would rather be safe in my house than go outside and risk me getting the virus,” said Amaya.
She and her sister are preparing for the possibility that they may not be able to play outside at all, and have begun to tally what they will miss during their last summer of high school.She and her sister are preparing for the possibility that they may not be able to play outside at all, and have begun to tally what they will miss during their last summer of high school.
There is the 116th Street Festival each June, when neighbors flood the streets to eat Puerto Rican food and dance. There is the big softball game their school arranges each summer, when the girls reunite with students they’ve coached.There is the 116th Street Festival each June, when neighbors flood the streets to eat Puerto Rican food and dance. There is the big softball game their school arranges each summer, when the girls reunite with students they’ve coached.
“Missing that is going to be difficult this year,” Amaya said.“Missing that is going to be difficult this year,” Amaya said.
For now, Dolly and Amaya are doing YouTube workout videos sent by their coaches — squats, push-ups and wrist exercises — to get them ready for whenever they can throw a softball again.For now, Dolly and Amaya are doing YouTube workout videos sent by their coaches — squats, push-ups and wrist exercises — to get them ready for whenever they can throw a softball again.
Until then, the twins and their mother, Nancy, will continue to gather in the living room each night to watch a movie. Nancy isn’t expecting much fun this summer. Mostly, she said, “I miss watching them play.”Until then, the twins and their mother, Nancy, will continue to gather in the living room each night to watch a movie. Nancy isn’t expecting much fun this summer. Mostly, she said, “I miss watching them play.”
The summer camp at the local YMCA has been a godsend for Alisha Carberry’s family in years past.The summer camp at the local YMCA has been a godsend for Alisha Carberry’s family in years past.
Her two girls, Reagan, 6, and Avery, 8, usually spent July and August swimming and playing soccer with their friends from early morning until late afternoon, so that their parents could work full days — he in construction, and she in training and finance at Northwell Health, the largest hospital system in the city.Her two girls, Reagan, 6, and Avery, 8, usually spent July and August swimming and playing soccer with their friends from early morning until late afternoon, so that their parents could work full days — he in construction, and she in training and finance at Northwell Health, the largest hospital system in the city.
But Ms. Carberry has been planning for a tough summer ever since school was shuttered in March.But Ms. Carberry has been planning for a tough summer ever since school was shuttered in March.
“I had a feeling there would be no camp, these are such extraordinary times, you can’t expect life to just snap back to normal right away,” she said. It is not yet clear if the Y.M.C.A.’s day camp will be able to open, and Ms. Carberry is wondering if there is a safe way to hire a babysitter for the summer so she can continue to work.“I had a feeling there would be no camp, these are such extraordinary times, you can’t expect life to just snap back to normal right away,” she said. It is not yet clear if the Y.M.C.A.’s day camp will be able to open, and Ms. Carberry is wondering if there is a safe way to hire a babysitter for the summer so she can continue to work.
Her husband, Chris, has been home for a few weeks, but is hoping to return to work soon. And Ms. Carberry has rarely been busier, since her work is right at the center of New York’s coronavirus crisis.Her husband, Chris, has been home for a few weeks, but is hoping to return to work soon. And Ms. Carberry has rarely been busier, since her work is right at the center of New York’s coronavirus crisis.
In the meantime, she is thinking of ways to stave off the loneliness and sadness her typically bubbly daughters have been wrestling with. “I don’t want it to be scarier than it needs to be for them,” Ms. Carberry said.In the meantime, she is thinking of ways to stave off the loneliness and sadness her typically bubbly daughters have been wrestling with. “I don’t want it to be scarier than it needs to be for them,” Ms. Carberry said.
The family is determined to hold some version of their summer kickoff party, which usually brings about 100 friends and neighbors to their backyard — even if it’s just the four of them and a few close friends meeting outside.The family is determined to hold some version of their summer kickoff party, which usually brings about 100 friends and neighbors to their backyard — even if it’s just the four of them and a few close friends meeting outside.
Ms. Carberry said she reminded her children frequently to be grateful, and that the quarantine could have been so much harder. But, she said, “we can grieve the things we are missing at the same time.”Ms. Carberry said she reminded her children frequently to be grateful, and that the quarantine could have been so much harder. But, she said, “we can grieve the things we are missing at the same time.”