This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/29/nyregion/Coronavirus-restaurants-reopening-ny-nj.html
The article has changed 20 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 4 | Version 5 |
|---|---|
| Alarmed by Sun Belt Spike, N.Y. and N.J. Reconsider Pace of Reopening | Alarmed by Sun Belt Spike, N.Y. and N.J. Reconsider Pace of Reopening |
| (about 20 hours later) | |
| The governors of New York and New Jersey said on Monday that they were so alarmed by a surge in coronavirus cases in the South and West that they were reconsidering plans to allow indoor dining in the two states in the coming days. | The governors of New York and New Jersey said on Monday that they were so alarmed by a surge in coronavirus cases in the South and West that they were reconsidering plans to allow indoor dining in the two states in the coming days. |
| Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey said that plans to allow indoor dining to resume on Thursday would be postponed “indefinitely.” | Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey said that plans to allow indoor dining to resume on Thursday would be postponed “indefinitely.” |
| “We have seen spikes in other states driven in part by the return of patrons to indoor dining establishments, where they are seated and without face coverings for significant periods of time,” Mr. Murphy said. “We do not wish to see New Jersey experience a similar spike.” | “We have seen spikes in other states driven in part by the return of patrons to indoor dining establishments, where they are seated and without face coverings for significant periods of time,” Mr. Murphy said. “We do not wish to see New Jersey experience a similar spike.” |
| New York City has been scheduled to enter Phase 3 of its reopening on July 6, which would have allowed restaurants and other establishments to serve patrons indoors if they cut their capacity in half and followed various other restrictions. Indoor dining is already allowed in the rest of the state under the conditions. | New York City has been scheduled to enter Phase 3 of its reopening on July 6, which would have allowed restaurants and other establishments to serve patrons indoors if they cut their capacity in half and followed various other restrictions. Indoor dining is already allowed in the rest of the state under the conditions. |
| But at a news conference on Monday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said that officials were now considering whether indoor dining could restart safely in the city and that he would make a decision on Wednesday. | But at a news conference on Monday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said that officials were now considering whether indoor dining could restart safely in the city and that he would make a decision on Wednesday. |
| The announcement by the governors stunned restaurant owners, whose businesses have been decimated by the pandemic. Many restaurants have been preparing to reopen by expanding their staffs and increasing inventory as they struggle to recover financially. | The announcement by the governors stunned restaurant owners, whose businesses have been decimated by the pandemic. Many restaurants have been preparing to reopen by expanding their staffs and increasing inventory as they struggle to recover financially. |
| Amy Russo, the owner of three New Jersey restaurants named Toast, was angry about Mr. Murphy’s shift, which came as she prepared to open her dining rooms in Asbury Park, Montclair and Red Bank.“It’s appalling,” Ms. Russo said. “Especially now. We’ve done the buying — we do Sunday for Monday deliveries. We’ve got the food in. It’s insane.” | Amy Russo, the owner of three New Jersey restaurants named Toast, was angry about Mr. Murphy’s shift, which came as she prepared to open her dining rooms in Asbury Park, Montclair and Red Bank.“It’s appalling,” Ms. Russo said. “Especially now. We’ve done the buying — we do Sunday for Monday deliveries. We’ve got the food in. It’s insane.” |
| Mr. Cuomo said he was worried about people from states with a high number of infections traveling to or through New York City. | Mr. Cuomo said he was worried about people from states with a high number of infections traveling to or through New York City. |
| “It’s not just indoor dining alone,” the governor said. “Indoor dining in New York City, where you already have issues with high congregations, you already have issues of people clearly violating social distancing, and you now have an added factor of viral spread all across the nation, and a high likelihood that those people will come to New York City. It’s that combination of facts that’s precarious.” | “It’s not just indoor dining alone,” the governor said. “Indoor dining in New York City, where you already have issues with high congregations, you already have issues of people clearly violating social distancing, and you now have an added factor of viral spread all across the nation, and a high likelihood that those people will come to New York City. It’s that combination of facts that’s precarious.” |
| Mayor Bill de Blasio, speaking at a news briefing on Monday, said that indoor dining appeared to be a factor in states that were now experiencing a rush of new virus cases. | Mayor Bill de Blasio, speaking at a news briefing on Monday, said that indoor dining appeared to be a factor in states that were now experiencing a rush of new virus cases. |
| “The indoor dining element is now in question,” Mr. de Blasio said. “We’re going to work it through with the state, figure out how we want to approach it, if we want to pause that piece for a while or modify it.” | “The indoor dining element is now in question,” Mr. de Blasio said. “We’re going to work it through with the state, figure out how we want to approach it, if we want to pause that piece for a while or modify it.” |
| The reconsideration of whether to allow indoor dining was another sign that New York City is far from returning to normal. The theater industry said on Monday that Broadway would remain closed at least through the end of the year, and many producers have hinted that they do not expect their shows to be back onstage until late winter or early spring. | The reconsideration of whether to allow indoor dining was another sign that New York City is far from returning to normal. The theater industry said on Monday that Broadway would remain closed at least through the end of the year, and many producers have hinted that they do not expect their shows to be back onstage until late winter or early spring. |
| While New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and other Northeastern states have made substantial progress in stemming the outbreak, the virus is surging in states that were among the first to reopen, including Arizona, Florida, and Texas. | While New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and other Northeastern states have made substantial progress in stemming the outbreak, the virus is surging in states that were among the first to reopen, including Arizona, Florida, and Texas. |
| A number of outbreaks in those states and others have been tied to restaurants and bars. | A number of outbreaks in those states and others have been tied to restaurants and bars. |
| Epidemiologists say that eating indoors poses a particularly high risk for transmitting the virus even if certain precautions — spacing out seats, making sure ventilation is adequate, ensuring that employees observe strict hygiene practices — are taken. | Epidemiologists say that eating indoors poses a particularly high risk for transmitting the virus even if certain precautions — spacing out seats, making sure ventilation is adequate, ensuring that employees observe strict hygiene practices — are taken. |
| “As soon as you get into indoor dining, your mask comes off and you have the potential for aerosols to be generated not only from breathing and talking but also from eating,” said Krystal Pollitt, an assistant professor of epidemiology at the Yale School of Public Health. “It’s a higher-risk activity.” | “As soon as you get into indoor dining, your mask comes off and you have the potential for aerosols to be generated not only from breathing and talking but also from eating,” said Krystal Pollitt, an assistant professor of epidemiology at the Yale School of Public Health. “It’s a higher-risk activity.” |
| In Michigan, more than 70 cases were linked to Harper’s Restaurant and Brewpub in East Lansing. In Alaska, the Seward Alehouse closed and encouraged customers to get tested after an employee contracted the virus. | In Michigan, more than 70 cases were linked to Harper’s Restaurant and Brewpub in East Lansing. In Alaska, the Seward Alehouse closed and encouraged customers to get tested after an employee contracted the virus. |
| Soaring case counts in Florida and Texas recently prompted governors in those states to order bars closed again. On Sunday, California officials ordered bars to close in some cities, including Los Angeles, and recommended that they close in others. | Soaring case counts in Florida and Texas recently prompted governors in those states to order bars closed again. On Sunday, California officials ordered bars to close in some cities, including Los Angeles, and recommended that they close in others. |
| The New York City Hospitality Alliance, a business group that represents restaurants and bars, said in an email to its members on Monday that it had asked officials to make a decision on indoor dining quickly. | The New York City Hospitality Alliance, a business group that represents restaurants and bars, said in an email to its members on Monday that it had asked officials to make a decision on indoor dining quickly. |
| 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. | 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. | 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. |
| 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. |
| Many businesses, the alliance said, could not survive a short-lived reopening of some indoor dining if new outbreaks forced them to shut down again. State data showed that in March and April, dine-in restaurants in New York City eliminated more than 119,000 jobs. | Many businesses, the alliance said, could not survive a short-lived reopening of some indoor dining if new outbreaks forced them to shut down again. State data showed that in March and April, dine-in restaurants in New York City eliminated more than 119,000 jobs. |
| “New York City restaurants and bars have been financially devastated,” the alliance said. “Our small businesses urgently need certainty and immediate support on rent, expanded outdoor dining and other responsive policies if they are to have any real chance of survival and recovery.” | “New York City restaurants and bars have been financially devastated,” the alliance said. “Our small businesses urgently need certainty and immediate support on rent, expanded outdoor dining and other responsive policies if they are to have any real chance of survival and recovery.” |
| Marilou Halvorsen, the president of the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association, a trade group, said that Mr. Murphy’s decision to postpone indoor dining would be financially devastating to many business owners. | Marilou Halvorsen, the president of the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association, a trade group, said that Mr. Murphy’s decision to postpone indoor dining would be financially devastating to many business owners. |
| In advance of the reopening, she said, restaurants had bought food and supplies and rehired staff members. | In advance of the reopening, she said, restaurants had bought food and supplies and rehired staff members. |
| “We’re two days from reopening,” Ms. Halvorsen said. “We’ve had restaurants invest tens of thousands of dollars that they did not have.” | “We’re two days from reopening,” Ms. Halvorsen said. “We’ve had restaurants invest tens of thousands of dollars that they did not have.” |
| She said a better way to avoid the risk of overcrowded restaurants and bars would be to step up the enforcement of the state’s limits on the number of people allowed inside. New Jersey had planned to limit restaurants and bars to 25 percent of their indoor capacity. | She said a better way to avoid the risk of overcrowded restaurants and bars would be to step up the enforcement of the state’s limits on the number of people allowed inside. New Jersey had planned to limit restaurants and bars to 25 percent of their indoor capacity. |
| “Instead of addressing enforcement, which is what they should do, you’re going to take a sledgehammer to a whole industry?” Ms. Halvorsen said. | “Instead of addressing enforcement, which is what they should do, you’re going to take a sledgehammer to a whole industry?” Ms. Halvorsen said. |
| Stephen M. Sweeney, the State Senate president, said that for New Jersey’s casinos, which are scheduled to reopen on Thursday, the ability to serve food and drinks was a big part of the financial equation in welcoming customers again. | Stephen M. Sweeney, the State Senate president, said that for New Jersey’s casinos, which are scheduled to reopen on Thursday, the ability to serve food and drinks was a big part of the financial equation in welcoming customers again. |
| Now, gamblers will not have access to indoor restaurants or bars. At least one casino, the Borgata in Atlantic City, responded to Mr. Murphy’s announcement by saying it would remain closed until the governor “lets us know it is safe to offer food and beverage.” | Now, gamblers will not have access to indoor restaurants or bars. At least one casino, the Borgata in Atlantic City, responded to Mr. Murphy’s announcement by saying it would remain closed until the governor “lets us know it is safe to offer food and beverage.” |
| “It’s not even workable,” Mr. Sweeney, a Democrat, said. | “It’s not even workable,” Mr. Sweeney, a Democrat, said. |
| Christina Goldbaum, Matthew Haag and Tracey Tully contributed reporting. | Christina Goldbaum, Matthew Haag and Tracey Tully contributed reporting. |