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Another Summer Ritual Canceled: The Beach House Share Another Summer Ritual Canceled: The Beach House Share
(32 minutes later)
It was all Cher Landman was looking forward to this summer: her one-twelfth share of a beach house in Southampton, a chance to participate in a seasonal ritual for many New Yorkers seeking a relatively affordable way to partake in Long Island’s glamorous Hamptons scene.It was all Cher Landman was looking forward to this summer: her one-twelfth share of a beach house in Southampton, a chance to participate in a seasonal ritual for many New Yorkers seeking a relatively affordable way to partake in Long Island’s glamorous Hamptons scene.
Instead, she will most likely be spending the summer holed up in her one-bedroom apartment in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, out several thousands of dollars for a country house she cannot set foot in.Instead, she will most likely be spending the summer holed up in her one-bedroom apartment in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, out several thousands of dollars for a country house she cannot set foot in.
A Type 1 diabetic, Ms. Landman, 36, is at higher risk for serious illness were she to contract the coronavirus. Suddenly an idyllic summer of clambakes and poolside hangs with a revolving cast of roommates seemed unwise.A Type 1 diabetic, Ms. Landman, 36, is at higher risk for serious illness were she to contract the coronavirus. Suddenly an idyllic summer of clambakes and poolside hangs with a revolving cast of roommates seemed unwise.
The ritual of the summer share, in which collectives of beach-seeking New Yorkers pool their resources to rent oceanside escapes on Long Island and in New Jersey’s shore towns, has long been a mainstay, immortalized in pop culture by MTV’s “Jersey Shore.”The ritual of the summer share, in which collectives of beach-seeking New Yorkers pool their resources to rent oceanside escapes on Long Island and in New Jersey’s shore towns, has long been a mainstay, immortalized in pop culture by MTV’s “Jersey Shore.”
But with the coronavirus outbreak still dictating nearly every aspect of life in the New York region, the notion of the summer share house is all but finished this year.But with the coronavirus outbreak still dictating nearly every aspect of life in the New York region, the notion of the summer share house is all but finished this year.
On the list of negative impacts of this crisis, the end of the summer share is perhaps among the most trivial and least upsetting in a world where people have lost jobs, fallen ill and nearly 100,000 Americans have died.On the list of negative impacts of this crisis, the end of the summer share is perhaps among the most trivial and least upsetting in a world where people have lost jobs, fallen ill and nearly 100,000 Americans have died.
Those whose summer plans were dashed acknowledge that having a canceled luxury vacation to be disappointed about — with so many more mortal traumas unfolding everywhere you look — is in itself a kind of privilege.Those whose summer plans were dashed acknowledge that having a canceled luxury vacation to be disappointed about — with so many more mortal traumas unfolding everywhere you look — is in itself a kind of privilege.
But for those in the rarefied segment of affording such experiences, summer by the sea was a balm to which they said they looked forward to, particularly now. Parties? Bobbing on inflatable pool flamingos with a dozen housemates? All currently forbidden. Bars, nightclubs and restaurant dining rooms remain closed. Social-distancing protocols are still in place. Many beaches are restricting access to outsiders.But for those in the rarefied segment of affording such experiences, summer by the sea was a balm to which they said they looked forward to, particularly now. Parties? Bobbing on inflatable pool flamingos with a dozen housemates? All currently forbidden. Bars, nightclubs and restaurant dining rooms remain closed. Social-distancing protocols are still in place. Many beaches are restricting access to outsiders.
“It’s really depressing. I was recently single, and thought, ‘Maybe I’ll meet someone through this, that could be a good idea,’ and to broaden my social circles. None of that can happen now,” Ms. Landman, a comedian said. “When you are in a share house you can’t control all the people, and God knows what they’ve been doing.”“It’s really depressing. I was recently single, and thought, ‘Maybe I’ll meet someone through this, that could be a good idea,’ and to broaden my social circles. None of that can happen now,” Ms. Landman, a comedian said. “When you are in a share house you can’t control all the people, and God knows what they’ve been doing.”
The seasonal real estate market is not suffering: Brokers say that wealthy families eager to flee New York City created an early spring frenzy for desirable properties, a 30 percent increase over last year, according to Cody Vichinsky, a founder of Bespoke Real Estate. But most, Mr. Vichinsky said in an email, are individuals snapping up long-term rentals as a refuge from the virus’s hot spot, New York City. For those who sublease houses — often illegally — to dozens of renters, the market has largely dried up.The seasonal real estate market is not suffering: Brokers say that wealthy families eager to flee New York City created an early spring frenzy for desirable properties, a 30 percent increase over last year, according to Cody Vichinsky, a founder of Bespoke Real Estate. But most, Mr. Vichinsky said in an email, are individuals snapping up long-term rentals as a refuge from the virus’s hot spot, New York City. For those who sublease houses — often illegally — to dozens of renters, the market has largely dried up.
In one share house in a hamlet of East Hampton Town, on any other Memorial Day weekend, its four bedrooms would have been packed with New Yorkers. By summer’s end, the house would typically have seen 150 renters cycle through the house, according to the residence’s proprietor.In one share house in a hamlet of East Hampton Town, on any other Memorial Day weekend, its four bedrooms would have been packed with New Yorkers. By summer’s end, the house would typically have seen 150 renters cycle through the house, according to the residence’s proprietor.
This year will be different: The house, he said, is being split among four families. He has required them each to be tested for the virus before arriving.This year will be different: The house, he said, is being split among four families. He has required them each to be tested for the virus before arriving.
“People living amongst each other that don’t know each other that are not family — I think it’s done,” said the man, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was illegally subleasing the house that he had rented. “I think it’s done until you have a vaccine.”“People living amongst each other that don’t know each other that are not family — I think it’s done,” said the man, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was illegally subleasing the house that he had rented. “I think it’s done until you have a vaccine.”
In a normal year, he said, he would pull in a profit of about $30,000. This summer, he said he would settle for making back the approximately $50,000 that he said he paid to rent the home.In a normal year, he said, he would pull in a profit of about $30,000. This summer, he said he would settle for making back the approximately $50,000 that he said he paid to rent the home.
Another house, in Montauk, was supposed to be the summer hangout for Blake Thomas, 25, and about two dozen of his friends. Instead, Mr. Thomas is now living at his parents’ home in Prairie Village, Kan., where he fled from Manhattan’s West Village last month.Another house, in Montauk, was supposed to be the summer hangout for Blake Thomas, 25, and about two dozen of his friends. Instead, Mr. Thomas is now living at his parents’ home in Prairie Village, Kan., where he fled from Manhattan’s West Village last month.
They gave up the Montauk house earlier this spring, partially for financial reasons: Mr. Thomas said at least seven of his share-house crew have lost their jobs, including four people who are all roommates in New York City.They gave up the Montauk house earlier this spring, partially for financial reasons: Mr. Thomas said at least seven of his share-house crew have lost their jobs, including four people who are all roommates in New York City.
Still, he said he cannot help feeling some misgivings about leaving New York and giving up on the summer share.Still, he said he cannot help feeling some misgivings about leaving New York and giving up on the summer share.
“Most of us have done the antibody test, and some of us have tested positive but never felt sick,” he said. In hindsight, Mr. Thomas said, “most of us, who are 25 to 29 years old, we feel less risk averse to the situation, because we all feel young and healthy.”“Most of us have done the antibody test, and some of us have tested positive but never felt sick,” he said. In hindsight, Mr. Thomas said, “most of us, who are 25 to 29 years old, we feel less risk averse to the situation, because we all feel young and healthy.”
On the Jersey Shore, some towns stopped issuing certificates of occupancy for beach homes, hoping to dissuade people from virus hot spots like New York City from relocating when the pandemic began, for fears that outsiders would bring contagion.On the Jersey Shore, some towns stopped issuing certificates of occupancy for beach homes, hoping to dissuade people from virus hot spots like New York City from relocating when the pandemic began, for fears that outsiders would bring contagion.
The orders caused rentals to be canceled en masse, said John Meechan, a broker who owns Gallery Residential Brokerage, which specializes in coastal beach houses in New Jersey.The orders caused rentals to be canceled en masse, said John Meechan, a broker who owns Gallery Residential Brokerage, which specializes in coastal beach houses in New Jersey.
But about three weeks ago, as some towns began to lift the orders, he said, business started to pick up again.
“There are a lot of people who don’t want to be near anyone, but there are also seven guys who were all college roommates who want to rent a house together,” Mr. Meechan said. “There are still people who are not freaked out about that closeness.”
Even so, New Jersey and New York are still prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people, ruling out large share houses, and leaving people like Ms. Landman in a lurch. She said that the person running her share house has stopped answering her emails asking for a refund.
Updated June 22, 2020Updated June 22, 2020
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
But about three weeks ago, as some towns began to lift the orders, he said, business started to pick up again.
“There are a lot of people who don’t want to be near anyone, but there are also seven guys who were all college roommates who want to rent a house together,” Mr. Meechan said. “There are still people who are not freaked out about that closeness.”
Even so, New Jersey and New York are still prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people, ruling out large share houses, and leaving people like Ms. Landman in a lurch. She said that the person running her share house has stopped answering her emails asking for a refund.
“We had a conversation about it where I asked, ‘What types of precautions are you taking?’” she said. “He was kind of like, ‘Oh, you’re really taking this coronavirus thing pretty seriously, huh?’”“We had a conversation about it where I asked, ‘What types of precautions are you taking?’” she said. “He was kind of like, ‘Oh, you’re really taking this coronavirus thing pretty seriously, huh?’”
Others have taken a different tack. Bradford Shellhammer, 43, bought in to a share house on Fire Island for the first time since he was in his 20s, he said, after others dropped out because of the crisis.Others have taken a different tack. Bradford Shellhammer, 43, bought in to a share house on Fire Island for the first time since he was in his 20s, he said, after others dropped out because of the crisis.
He and his husband will share the four-bedroom house with another couple, and leave two bedrooms unoccupied in an effort to keep enough space for social distancing.He and his husband will share the four-bedroom house with another couple, and leave two bedrooms unoccupied in an effort to keep enough space for social distancing.
The four have spent extensive time working out safety protocols, hammering out questions like whether guests are allowed to pop over for lunch. And if so, do they stay in the yard or can they come on the porch?The four have spent extensive time working out safety protocols, hammering out questions like whether guests are allowed to pop over for lunch. And if so, do they stay in the yard or can they come on the porch?
“The house is big enough that we can be for the most part wearing masks and staying six feet apart,” Mr. Shellhammer, who works for eBay, said. “I don’t need to see their faces.”“The house is big enough that we can be for the most part wearing masks and staying six feet apart,” Mr. Shellhammer, who works for eBay, said. “I don’t need to see their faces.”
On Friday, the man who runs the high-traffic share house in the East Hampton Town hamlet arrived for the first weekend of the season. It was quieter than typical summers, and he was disappointed that no restaurants were yet open for in-person dining.On Friday, the man who runs the high-traffic share house in the East Hampton Town hamlet arrived for the first weekend of the season. It was quieter than typical summers, and he was disappointed that no restaurants were yet open for in-person dining.
“But we will still be able to go to the beach, and I’ll still be able to surf every day,” he said. “Would I rather have it back the old way? Without a doubt. But can we make the best of a horrible situation, and have a good time? Most definitely.”“But we will still be able to go to the beach, and I’ll still be able to surf every day,” he said. “Would I rather have it back the old way? Without a doubt. But can we make the best of a horrible situation, and have a good time? Most definitely.”