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After the Virus Came, 22 Parents Moved Into Their Children’s Hospital After the Virus Came, 22 Parents Moved Into Their Children’s Hospital
(about 3 hours later)
For more than a year, Onyx Johnson spent many of her days visiting her 17-year-old daughter, Ariana, a former honor-roll student and athlete, at St. Mary’s Hospital for Children in Queens, where she was recovering from traumatic brain injury she suffered when hit by a motorist in 2018.For more than a year, Onyx Johnson spent many of her days visiting her 17-year-old daughter, Ariana, a former honor-roll student and athlete, at St. Mary’s Hospital for Children in Queens, where she was recovering from traumatic brain injury she suffered when hit by a motorist in 2018.
“I couldn’t imagine being without her, or her not seeing my face, for a long, extended period of time,” Ms. Johnson said.“I couldn’t imagine being without her, or her not seeing my face, for a long, extended period of time,” Ms. Johnson said.
When the coronavirus hit, however, she and other parents of St. Mary’s patients were faced with a difficult decision. The hospital, which cares for about 130 of New York’s sickest children, wanted to limit possible contamination and suspended all visitation, following an order from the state. But in shutting its doors, it also made an unusual offer to some of its families: One parent per child could move in.When the coronavirus hit, however, she and other parents of St. Mary’s patients were faced with a difficult decision. The hospital, which cares for about 130 of New York’s sickest children, wanted to limit possible contamination and suspended all visitation, following an order from the state. But in shutting its doors, it also made an unusual offer to some of its families: One parent per child could move in.
There was a wrinkle, however: If a parent later changed her mind and decided to leave, she could not return until the ban on visitors was lifted.There was a wrinkle, however: If a parent later changed her mind and decided to leave, she could not return until the ban on visitors was lifted.
Ultimately, 20 mothers and two fathers moved into St. Mary’s, in the Bayside neighborhood, bringing pajamas, sweatpants, toiletries, vitamins and laptops. Most now have been there for nearly three months, sleeping on recliners in their children’s rooms and becoming immersed in their care — and sharing just one shower.Ultimately, 20 mothers and two fathers moved into St. Mary’s, in the Bayside neighborhood, bringing pajamas, sweatpants, toiletries, vitamins and laptops. Most now have been there for nearly three months, sleeping on recliners in their children’s rooms and becoming immersed in their care — and sharing just one shower.
“We just thought it was going to be a two-week thing,” said Lucy Ramirez, whose 6-year-old son, Anthony, is on round-the-clock oxygen for lung issues. “But then they kept extending and extending.”“We just thought it was going to be a two-week thing,” said Lucy Ramirez, whose 6-year-old son, Anthony, is on round-the-clock oxygen for lung issues. “But then they kept extending and extending.”
One father has even been keeping a journal for his infant daughter, who is being treated for feeding issues.One father has even been keeping a journal for his infant daughter, who is being treated for feeding issues.
“The most important thing is I am here,” he wrote. “I feel that it is my duty as your father to be your advocate and bedside playmate.”“The most important thing is I am here,” he wrote. “I feel that it is my duty as your father to be your advocate and bedside playmate.”
Patty Agurto, who moved in with her 18-year-old daughter, Taylor, said, “The hard thing here is obviously just being away — not having the amenities you have at home, not sleeping in your own bed.”Patty Agurto, who moved in with her 18-year-old daughter, Taylor, said, “The hard thing here is obviously just being away — not having the amenities you have at home, not sleeping in your own bed.”
Taylor wears diapers and requires a feeding tube and ventilator support.Taylor wears diapers and requires a feeding tube and ventilator support.
Ms. Agurto said she can only wave to her two older children through the large lobby windows. “I see my kids,” she said, “through the glass.”Ms. Agurto said she can only wave to her two older children through the large lobby windows. “I see my kids,” she said, “through the glass.”
The parents say they communicate with their families over FaceTime, eat donated meals and fill their evenings with reading, a virtual painting class and watching “Veep,” “Game of Thrones” and “The Last Dance.”The parents say they communicate with their families over FaceTime, eat donated meals and fill their evenings with reading, a virtual painting class and watching “Veep,” “Game of Thrones” and “The Last Dance.”
It was in March that New York State issued the ban on visitors to nursing homes and other adult care facilities, which also applied to St. Mary’s because so many of its patients receive long-term care there, a hospital spokesman said.It was in March that New York State issued the ban on visitors to nursing homes and other adult care facilities, which also applied to St. Mary’s because so many of its patients receive long-term care there, a hospital spokesman said.
The hospital’s strict visitation policy has so far paid off: Not one of its medically fragile patients has tested positive for the coronavirus, said Dr. Edwin Simpser, its chief executive and a practicing pediatrician.The hospital’s strict visitation policy has so far paid off: Not one of its medically fragile patients has tested positive for the coronavirus, said Dr. Edwin Simpser, its chief executive and a practicing pediatrician.
The facility treats roughly 250 patients a year, Dr. Simpser said. They range in age from newborn to 21; some are there for rehabilitation with the goal of leaving the hospital, and others remain in long-term care.The facility treats roughly 250 patients a year, Dr. Simpser said. They range in age from newborn to 21; some are there for rehabilitation with the goal of leaving the hospital, and others remain in long-term care.
Some of the children have complications from extreme prematurity. Many require the support of ventilators and feeding tubes. Some have severe neurological, cognitive or genetic disorders. There are accident and burn victims, and children on palliative care for cancer and AIDS.Some of the children have complications from extreme prematurity. Many require the support of ventilators and feeding tubes. Some have severe neurological, cognitive or genetic disorders. There are accident and burn victims, and children on palliative care for cancer and AIDS.
For these young patients, Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, could be devastating, Dr. Simpser said. “We’re desperate to keep this bug out of our building.”For these young patients, Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, could be devastating, Dr. Simpser said. “We’re desperate to keep this bug out of our building.”
Dr. Simpser added that St. Mary’s long had practiced state-of-the-art infection control techniques — special filtration in air handlers and the use of ultraviolet light in cleaning rooms — and employees and parents received masks and gloves early on.Dr. Simpser added that St. Mary’s long had practiced state-of-the-art infection control techniques — special filtration in air handlers and the use of ultraviolet light in cleaning rooms — and employees and parents received masks and gloves early on.
As for parents moving in? “We decided that the way we’re handling it is safe in that the parents are not coming and going,” Dr. Simpser said.As for parents moving in? “We decided that the way we’re handling it is safe in that the parents are not coming and going,” Dr. Simpser said.
As a further precaution, St. Mary’s restricted parents to their child’s unit (the floors are divided among newborns, toddlers and older children). Many who stayed have since bonded with each other.As a further precaution, St. Mary’s restricted parents to their child’s unit (the floors are divided among newborns, toddlers and older children). Many who stayed have since bonded with each other.
Ms. Johnson likened the experience to “a little voyage that we were taking together, because we were embarking on the unknown.”Ms. Johnson likened the experience to “a little voyage that we were taking together, because we were embarking on the unknown.”
Choosing which parent would remain with a child was not easy. The father who has been keeping a journal for his daughter, who asked to be identified only by his first name, Chris, said he and his wife decided he should stay because he could work remotely. His wife had to return to her job in health care.Choosing which parent would remain with a child was not easy. The father who has been keeping a journal for his daughter, who asked to be identified only by his first name, Chris, said he and his wife decided he should stay because he could work remotely. His wife had to return to her job in health care.
Each evening after her workday ends, he said, his wife makes a 30-to-45 minute drive to St. Mary’s to drop off breast milk for their infant daughter, who receives it through a feeding tube.Each evening after her workday ends, he said, his wife makes a 30-to-45 minute drive to St. Mary’s to drop off breast milk for their infant daughter, who receives it through a feeding tube.
She also brings him snacks and an occasional dinner or sandwich from a deli near her job.She also brings him snacks and an occasional dinner or sandwich from a deli near her job.
He fills a bag with dirty laundry and another with empty milk bottles. They leave the items for each other on a table in the vestibule. Then, they stand at the window, blowing kisses and giving air hugs to each other, he said.He fills a bag with dirty laundry and another with empty milk bottles. They leave the items for each other on a table in the vestibule. Then, they stand at the window, blowing kisses and giving air hugs to each other, he said.
“Your transfer to St. Mary’s has not been easy on your mother and I,” Chris wrote in his journal on April 29.“Your transfer to St. Mary’s has not been easy on your mother and I,” Chris wrote in his journal on April 29.
Sheronda Patton, another parent, also began taking notes after her daughter, Noa, arrived at St. Mary’s from a neonatal intensive care unit at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in April.Sheronda Patton, another parent, also began taking notes after her daughter, Noa, arrived at St. Mary’s from a neonatal intensive care unit at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in April.
Noa, born in October three months early, was a micropreemie — weighing just 1 pound, 4 ounces.Noa, born in October three months early, was a micropreemie — weighing just 1 pound, 4 ounces.
“It’s been a loop of emotions — learning trach cares, vent settings, plus learning Noa’s patterns,” Ms. Patton wrote on April 15. “I’m beyond exhausted.”“It’s been a loop of emotions — learning trach cares, vent settings, plus learning Noa’s patterns,” Ms. Patton wrote on April 15. “I’m beyond exhausted.”
The parents uniformly praise St. Mary’s for its care of their children and its willingness to make their own stays as comfortable as possible. But the hospital was not built as a hotel: There is that one shower, on the ground floor, which has meant waiting times of up to 40 minutes.The parents uniformly praise St. Mary’s for its care of their children and its willingness to make their own stays as comfortable as possible. But the hospital was not built as a hotel: There is that one shower, on the ground floor, which has meant waiting times of up to 40 minutes.
Not every room is private, either: Ms. Agurto, for example, shares a room with Taylor and three other girls. All four girls are on ventilators at least part of the day.Not every room is private, either: Ms. Agurto, for example, shares a room with Taylor and three other girls. All four girls are on ventilators at least part of the day.
Updated June 16, 2020 Updated June 12, 2020
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Some parents said that as hard as it has been to be separated from other family members, they are spending more time than ever with their children.Some parents said that as hard as it has been to be separated from other family members, they are spending more time than ever with their children.
Poonam Pathak said she used to wake up in the morning, yearning to see her hospitalized daughter, Christine, who is now 2 and needs ventilator support for several hours each day.Poonam Pathak said she used to wake up in the morning, yearning to see her hospitalized daughter, Christine, who is now 2 and needs ventilator support for several hours each day.
“Here, every day I see Christine,” Ms. Pathak said, describing walking with her and holding her as “the best moments of my life.”“Here, every day I see Christine,” Ms. Pathak said, describing walking with her and holding her as “the best moments of my life.”
In the hospital’s fenced-in backyard overlooking Little Neck Bay, the only place the parents can go outdoors, small groups meet for exercise (with social distancing); they also sit in swings in the playground area, play cards and dance to TikTok videos. Several parents have eaten lunch together and had a “group talk about our situations, our kids and how we felt,” said Renée Barrett, whose 14-year-old son, Jayson, is undergoing rehabilitation after complex leg surgery.In the hospital’s fenced-in backyard overlooking Little Neck Bay, the only place the parents can go outdoors, small groups meet for exercise (with social distancing); they also sit in swings in the playground area, play cards and dance to TikTok videos. Several parents have eaten lunch together and had a “group talk about our situations, our kids and how we felt,” said Renée Barrett, whose 14-year-old son, Jayson, is undergoing rehabilitation after complex leg surgery.
Jochana Chakma, another parent, said they focus on the positive: “We try to discuss the happy things.”Jochana Chakma, another parent, said they focus on the positive: “We try to discuss the happy things.”
Over time, five of the parents had to leave St. Mary’s.Over time, five of the parents had to leave St. Mary’s.
Ms. Johnson, who was there almost two months, said she had to return to work and attend to her mother’s health.Ms. Johnson, who was there almost two months, said she had to return to work and attend to her mother’s health.
She gently raised her pending departure with her daughter, Ariana, who, she said, after multiple surgeries, was again learning to walk, read and process thoughts.She gently raised her pending departure with her daughter, Ariana, who, she said, after multiple surgeries, was again learning to walk, read and process thoughts.
“I said, ‘Ariana, Mommy’s going to have to go home,’” Ms. Johnson recalled. “And she said, ‘OK. And you’re going to come back?’“I said, ‘Ariana, Mommy’s going to have to go home,’” Ms. Johnson recalled. “And she said, ‘OK. And you’re going to come back?’
“And I said, ‘I will come back. I’m not going to be able to come back right away.’“And I said, ‘I will come back. I’m not going to be able to come back right away.’
“And she asked me, what was ‘right away?’”“And she asked me, what was ‘right away?’”
Ms. Johnson said she began to cry.Ms. Johnson said she began to cry.
A sixth parent, Ms. Patton, left on May 29 when Noa, her micropreemie who then was 7 months old and weighed 11 pounds, 2 ounces, was discharged.A sixth parent, Ms. Patton, left on May 29 when Noa, her micropreemie who then was 7 months old and weighed 11 pounds, 2 ounces, was discharged.
“I did say goodbye to the other moms with hugs and smiles,” Ms. Patton recalled in an email.“I did say goodbye to the other moms with hugs and smiles,” Ms. Patton recalled in an email.
In her own notes, she wrote, “We are heading home with much joy.”In her own notes, she wrote, “We are heading home with much joy.”
Other parents continue with their unusual quarantine. Chris, who has been keeping the journal for his infant daughter, wrote on May 10 that after dressing her in a “My First Mother’s Day” onesie, he held up his phone so her family members could see her and speak to her.Other parents continue with their unusual quarantine. Chris, who has been keeping the journal for his infant daughter, wrote on May 10 that after dressing her in a “My First Mother’s Day” onesie, he held up his phone so her family members could see her and speak to her.
“It really hurts to see your mother tear up because she can’t physically be with you on this special day,” Chris wrote. “I know that if she could have traded places with me and stayed in the hospital with you, she would have done so in a flash.”“It really hurts to see your mother tear up because she can’t physically be with you on this special day,” Chris wrote. “I know that if she could have traded places with me and stayed in the hospital with you, she would have done so in a flash.”