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Coronavirus in N.Y.C.: Latest Updates Coronavirus in N.Y.C.: Latest Updates
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It’s Friday.It’s Friday.
Weather: Patchy fog and possible thunderstorms, with a high around 80. It starts to clear up Saturday afternoon, and Sunday should be sunny but cooler.Weather: Patchy fog and possible thunderstorms, with a high around 80. It starts to clear up Saturday afternoon, and Sunday should be sunny but cooler.
Alternate-side parking: Suspended through June 7.Alternate-side parking: Suspended through June 7.
With the weather getting warmer and New Yorkers getting antsier, the New York City Council wants to force Mayor Bill de Blasio’s hand on outdoor dining.With the weather getting warmer and New Yorkers getting antsier, the New York City Council wants to force Mayor Bill de Blasio’s hand on outdoor dining.
The Council, backed by the restaurant industry, introduced legislation Thursday requiring the mayor to find a way to open streets, sidewalks and public plazas to outdoor dining.The Council, backed by the restaurant industry, introduced legislation Thursday requiring the mayor to find a way to open streets, sidewalks and public plazas to outdoor dining.
Corey Johnson, the Council speaker, and Councilman Antonio Reynoso of Brooklyn are spearheading the effort. “The restaurant and the food industry has been struggling just as much as any other businesses in our city,” Mr. Reynoso said at the Council’s hearing on Thursday, adding that the process would be “something that can be done very quickly and in a timely fashion.”Corey Johnson, the Council speaker, and Councilman Antonio Reynoso of Brooklyn are spearheading the effort. “The restaurant and the food industry has been struggling just as much as any other businesses in our city,” Mr. Reynoso said at the Council’s hearing on Thursday, adding that the process would be “something that can be done very quickly and in a timely fashion.”
Andrew Rigie, executive director of the New York City Hospitality Alliance, a business group, said the idea was to require the mayor to establish a framework to identify appropriate places for restaurants to sell food and beverages outside and create a mechanism by which businesses and community boards could submit suggestions.Andrew Rigie, executive director of the New York City Hospitality Alliance, a business group, said the idea was to require the mayor to establish a framework to identify appropriate places for restaurants to sell food and beverages outside and create a mechanism by which businesses and community boards could submit suggestions.
The bill would also require the city to set health and safety requirements for such operations.The bill would also require the city to set health and safety requirements for such operations.
“Our hope is there may be areas where entire streets could be shut down for restaurant service,” Mr. Rigie said. “Other places you may be able to extend the sidewalk, while keeping a lane of cars and bike lanes. Other places, you may be able to use pedestrian plazas.”“Our hope is there may be areas where entire streets could be shut down for restaurant service,” Mr. Rigie said. “Other places you may be able to extend the sidewalk, while keeping a lane of cars and bike lanes. Other places, you may be able to use pedestrian plazas.”
[Get the latest news and updates on the coronavirus in the New York region.][Get the latest news and updates on the coronavirus in the New York region.]
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo said on Thursday that he would issue an executive order authorizing any business in New York State to deny entry to people who were not wearing face coverings.Governor Andrew M. Cuomo said on Thursday that he would issue an executive order authorizing any business in New York State to deny entry to people who were not wearing face coverings.
“We’re giving the store owners the right to say, if you’re not wearing a mask, you can’t come in,” Mr. Cuomo said. “That store owner has a right to protect themselves. That store owner has a right to protect the other patrons in that store.”“We’re giving the store owners the right to say, if you’re not wearing a mask, you can’t come in,” Mr. Cuomo said. “That store owner has a right to protect themselves. That store owner has a right to protect the other patrons in that store.”
Mr. Cuomo is not the first local leader to enact such a measure. In New York City, for instance, Mr. de Blasio announced a mask requirement on April 30.Mr. Cuomo is not the first local leader to enact such a measure. In New York City, for instance, Mr. de Blasio announced a mask requirement on April 30.
Mr. Cuomo also delivered the state’s daily fatality report: 74 more people died of the coronavirus.Mr. Cuomo also delivered the state’s daily fatality report: 74 more people died of the coronavirus.
The governor delivered his briefing at a Boys and Girls Club in Flatbush, Brooklyn, and was joined by the comedian Chris Rock and the actress Rosie Perez, both of whom grew up in the borough. They amplified the governor’s message on the importance of face coverings.The governor delivered his briefing at a Boys and Girls Club in Flatbush, Brooklyn, and was joined by the comedian Chris Rock and the actress Rosie Perez, both of whom grew up in the borough. They amplified the governor’s message on the importance of face coverings.
Mr. Rock said he had seen many young people in Brooklyn with faces uncovered.Mr. Rock said he had seen many young people in Brooklyn with faces uncovered.
“It’s sad that our health has become sort of a political issue,” Mr. Rock said. “It’s a status symbol, almost, to not wear a mask.”“It’s sad that our health has become sort of a political issue,” Mr. Rock said. “It’s a status symbol, almost, to not wear a mask.”
[What’s open in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.][What’s open in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.]
After weeks of outcry from distressed New Yorkers demanding that housing payments be halted during the pandemic, the State Legislature passed a bill on Thursday to provide emergency rent relief to tenants.After weeks of outcry from distressed New Yorkers demanding that housing payments be halted during the pandemic, the State Legislature passed a bill on Thursday to provide emergency rent relief to tenants.
The legislation would provide up to $100 million in rental assistance vouchers to landlords on behalf of tenants who are struggling to pay rent after losing their jobs during the health crisis. The funds would cover rent due from April 1 to July 31.The legislation would provide up to $100 million in rental assistance vouchers to landlords on behalf of tenants who are struggling to pay rent after losing their jobs during the health crisis. The funds would cover rent due from April 1 to July 31.
As of late Thursday, the bill had yet to be formally delivered to Mr. Cuomo, but it would take effect immediately if and when he were to sign it.As of late Thursday, the bill had yet to be formally delivered to Mr. Cuomo, but it would take effect immediately if and when he were to sign it.
The program would be funded with New York’s share of the $2 trillion CARES Act, the federal relief package passed several weeks ago.The program would be funded with New York’s share of the $2 trillion CARES Act, the federal relief package passed several weeks ago.
Virus Forces N.Y.C. to Consider Tactic That Nearly Led to Ruin in ’75Virus Forces N.Y.C. to Consider Tactic That Nearly Led to Ruin in ’75
10 Weeks Into New York Area’s Lockdown, Who Is Still Getting Sick?10 Weeks Into New York Area’s Lockdown, Who Is Still Getting Sick?
Lights. Camera. Makeup. And a Carefully Placed 1,246-Page Book.Lights. Camera. Makeup. And a Carefully Placed 1,246-Page Book.
Review: ‘Central Park’ Is the Show We Need Right NowReview: ‘Central Park’ Is the Show We Need Right Now
Want more news? Check out our full coverage.Want more news? Check out our full coverage.
The Mini Crossword: Here is today’s puzzle.The Mini Crossword: Here is today’s puzzle.
The City Council voted to replace mentions of “alien” in city documents, regulations and laws with “noncitizen.” [New York Post]The City Council voted to replace mentions of “alien” in city documents, regulations and laws with “noncitizen.” [New York Post]
Dozens of people were arrested in Union Square at a protest over George Floyd’s death. [NBC 4 New York]Dozens of people were arrested in Union Square at a protest over George Floyd’s death. [NBC 4 New York]
What we’re watching: On “The New York Times Close Up With Sam Roberts,” Christina Goldbaum, a reporter who covers the subway for The Times, discusses how the pandemic has affected the system. Also, the reporter Brian Rosenthal talks about the actions taken after his New York taxi medallion investigation. The show airs Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 1:30 p.m. and Sunday at 12:30 p.m. [CUNY TV]What we’re watching: On “The New York Times Close Up With Sam Roberts,” Christina Goldbaum, a reporter who covers the subway for The Times, discusses how the pandemic has affected the system. Also, the reporter Brian Rosenthal talks about the actions taken after his New York taxi medallion investigation. The show airs Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 1:30 p.m. and Sunday at 12:30 p.m. [CUNY TV]
Updated June 30, 2020
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.
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Times’s Melissa Guerrero writes:The Times’s Melissa Guerrero writes:
Although most performance spaces, museums and community centers are closed, people are finding creative ways to connect through virtual events and programs. Here are suggestions for maintaining a New York social life this weekend while keeping a safe distance from other people.Although most performance spaces, museums and community centers are closed, people are finding creative ways to connect through virtual events and programs. Here are suggestions for maintaining a New York social life this weekend while keeping a safe distance from other people.
From 6 to 8 p.m. Friday and 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, visit the Renegade Craft Virtual Fair, a marketplace of makers and designers. Each vendor will host a portal that “transports you into their universe,” and attendees will be able to interact with some of the artists through a livestream.From 6 to 8 p.m. Friday and 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, visit the Renegade Craft Virtual Fair, a marketplace of makers and designers. Each vendor will host a portal that “transports you into their universe,” and attendees will be able to interact with some of the artists through a livestream.
The fair’s website has a roster of vendors and links to the portals.The fair’s website has a roster of vendors and links to the portals.
On Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m., gather family members for this festival put on by the Brooklyn Museum and Cool Culture, an organization that provides historically marginalized families free access to a network of cultural institutions. The virtual event will include animal-inspired yoga, a dance party and interactive storytelling.On Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m., gather family members for this festival put on by the Brooklyn Museum and Cool Culture, an organization that provides historically marginalized families free access to a network of cultural institutions. The virtual event will include animal-inspired yoga, a dance party and interactive storytelling.
Register on the event page.Register on the event page.
The Free Black Women’s Library, a pop-up library that features books by black women, will host a conversation with the professors Ayana Jamieson and Moya Bailey, founders of the Octavia E. Butler Legacy Network. At noon on Sunday, they will discuss the book and Ms. Butler’s legacy, and why those feel relevant in this moment.The Free Black Women’s Library, a pop-up library that features books by black women, will host a conversation with the professors Ayana Jamieson and Moya Bailey, founders of the Octavia E. Butler Legacy Network. At noon on Sunday, they will discuss the book and Ms. Butler’s legacy, and why those feel relevant in this moment.
Register and access the Zoom link on the event page.Register and access the Zoom link on the event page.
It’s Friday — make the most of it.It’s Friday — make the most of it.
Dear Diary:Dear Diary:
It was the wrap party for a not-so-successful television show I had just spent 60-plus-hour weeks working on for the better part of a year.It was the wrap party for a not-so-successful television show I had just spent 60-plus-hour weeks working on for the better part of a year.
The party was at our sound stage in Queens with about 200 crew members who now had to look for new jobs. The open bar was utilized liberally.The party was at our sound stage in Queens with about 200 crew members who now had to look for new jobs. The open bar was utilized liberally.
Somewhere between the buffet dinner and the sloppy dance party, two costume assistants I hadn’t interacted with much approached a group of us. I knew their names, but I wasn’t quite sure which one was which.Somewhere between the buffet dinner and the sloppy dance party, two costume assistants I hadn’t interacted with much approached a group of us. I knew their names, but I wasn’t quite sure which one was which.
“You guys should come to our after-party!” one of them, either Nadia or Nathalie, said.“You guys should come to our after-party!” one of them, either Nadia or Nathalie, said.
“Meet me outside Bergdorf Goodman at midnight,” the other one instructed enigmatically before dissolving into the dance-floor crowd.“Meet me outside Bergdorf Goodman at midnight,” the other one instructed enigmatically before dissolving into the dance-floor crowd.
It sounded less like a party invitation than the kind of code used by criminals to pass messages about clandestine meetings to incarcerated mob bosses.It sounded less like a party invitation than the kind of code used by criminals to pass messages about clandestine meetings to incarcerated mob bosses.
Honestly, either option sounded pretty thrilling, and it didn’t much matter to me which one I was in for.Honestly, either option sounded pretty thrilling, and it didn’t much matter to me which one I was in for.
After all, I had nowhere I needed to be for the foreseeable future.After all, I had nowhere I needed to be for the foreseeable future.
— Libby M. Gardner— Libby M. Gardner
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