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Coronavirus, a Fire and Anxiety in the Chinese Community Coronavirus, a Fire and Anxiety in the Chinese Community
(32 minutes later)
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It’s Thursday.It’s Thursday.
Weather: Mostly sunny, with a high in the mid-30s.Weather: Mostly sunny, with a high in the mid-30s.
Alternate-side parking: In effect until Feb. 12 (Lincoln’s Birthday).Alternate-side parking: In effect until Feb. 12 (Lincoln’s Birthday).
The Lunar New Year is a 15-day celebration in the Asian community, marked by reunions with family and friends, feasts, parades and more.The Lunar New Year is a 15-day celebration in the Asian community, marked by reunions with family and friends, feasts, parades and more.
But in New York, the celebrations have taken on a muted feel.But in New York, the celebrations have taken on a muted feel.
The city’s Asian community is anxious over the potential outbreak of a new strain of coronavirus that began in China and has been spread by travelers across the globe.The city’s Asian community is anxious over the potential outbreak of a new strain of coronavirus that began in China and has been spread by travelers across the globe.
In Flushing, Queens, the site of the city’s biggest Chinatown, the Lunar New Year Temple Bazaar scheduled for this weekend was canceled. The event usually attracts hundreds of spectators.In Flushing, Queens, the site of the city’s biggest Chinatown, the Lunar New Year Temple Bazaar scheduled for this weekend was canceled. The event usually attracts hundreds of spectators.
Adding to the worries, last Thursday a fire ripped through a building in Manhattan’s Chinatown that housed archives for the Museum of Chinese in America.Adding to the worries, last Thursday a fire ripped through a building in Manhattan’s Chinatown that housed archives for the Museum of Chinese in America.
Yesterday, people in New York’s Chinatowns were wondering what precautions they should take against the coronavirus, and some celebrations have been called off.Yesterday, people in New York’s Chinatowns were wondering what precautions they should take against the coronavirus, and some celebrations have been called off.
[Coronavirus and New York: Lunar New Year events were canceled over fears.][Coronavirus and New York: Lunar New Year events were canceled over fears.]
City health officials have said it was only a matter of time before the virus appeared in New York State, though no cases had been confirmed so far. They said residents should take the same precautions they would for the flu, such as washing their hands, but should also continue about their lives.City health officials have said it was only a matter of time before the virus appeared in New York State, though no cases had been confirmed so far. They said residents should take the same precautions they would for the flu, such as washing their hands, but should also continue about their lives.
Still, some people are worried that their neighborhoods are being stigmatized.Still, some people are worried that their neighborhoods are being stigmatized.
“It’s mixed emotions right now,” said Wayne Ho, the president and chief executive of the Chinese-American Planning Council. “We’re supposed to be celebrating Lunar New Year.”“It’s mixed emotions right now,” said Wayne Ho, the president and chief executive of the Chinese-American Planning Council. “We’re supposed to be celebrating Lunar New Year.”
He added: “The community feels that there could be racial profiling going on.”He added: “The community feels that there could be racial profiling going on.”
Mr. Ho said dozens of people had reached out to his organization to report discrimination. In one case, he said, a Chinese woman who sneezed at a coffee shop overheard someone whisper that she might have the coronavirus. In another case, a man on the subway watched people walk away from him after he coughed.Mr. Ho said dozens of people had reached out to his organization to report discrimination. In one case, he said, a Chinese woman who sneezed at a coffee shop overheard someone whisper that she might have the coronavirus. In another case, a man on the subway watched people walk away from him after he coughed.
Scott Liu, who lives in Queens, told my colleagues Joseph Goldstein and Jeffrey E. Singer that he was refusing to leave his house. Mr. Liu said he had been on the last direct flight from Wuhan — the Chinese city where the outbreak began — to Kennedy International Airport, before all flights between the two cities were canceled last week.Scott Liu, who lives in Queens, told my colleagues Joseph Goldstein and Jeffrey E. Singer that he was refusing to leave his house. Mr. Liu said he had been on the last direct flight from Wuhan — the Chinese city where the outbreak began — to Kennedy International Airport, before all flights between the two cities were canceled last week.
Mr. Liu said that he did not believe he was sick, but that he felt responsible to act with caution, even if that meant not visiting his friends and family for Lunar New Year.Mr. Liu said that he did not believe he was sick, but that he felt responsible to act with caution, even if that meant not visiting his friends and family for Lunar New Year.
“For us, this is very serious,” Mr. Liu, 56, said.“For us, this is very serious,” Mr. Liu, 56, said.
Others, like Lin Qiurong, who emigrated from Fujian Province in China in 2002, said that she ignored messages from her relatives and friends to avoid crowds. This week, Ms. Lin, 40, and her three children put on surgical face masks and headed to a parade in Sunset Park, Brooklyn’s largest Chinatown.Others, like Lin Qiurong, who emigrated from Fujian Province in China in 2002, said that she ignored messages from her relatives and friends to avoid crowds. This week, Ms. Lin, 40, and her three children put on surgical face masks and headed to a parade in Sunset Park, Brooklyn’s largest Chinatown.
“Look around,” Ms. Lin said at the parade. “It’s much emptier compared to last year.”“Look around,” Ms. Lin said at the parade. “It’s much emptier compared to last year.”
About 200 firefighters and emergency personnel responded to a blaze at 70 Mulberry Street, the building in Manhattan’s Chinatown where the archives of the Museum of Chinese in America are situated. Nine firefighters were injured in the fire, which started about 8:40 p.m., as well as a 59-year-old man whom they rescued.About 200 firefighters and emergency personnel responded to a blaze at 70 Mulberry Street, the building in Manhattan’s Chinatown where the archives of the Museum of Chinese in America are situated. Nine firefighters were injured in the fire, which started about 8:40 p.m., as well as a 59-year-old man whom they rescued.
The city-owned building hosts several community organizations. The museum’s archives stored 85,000 items that tell the story of Chinese migration and life in the United States, some of which dated to the 19th century. The museum itself is on Centre Street.The city-owned building hosts several community organizations. The museum’s archives stored 85,000 items that tell the story of Chinese migration and life in the United States, some of which dated to the 19th century. The museum itself is on Centre Street.
Yesterday, contractors working with the city recovered almost 200 boxes of the museum’s archives from a second-floor room in the Mulberry Street building. Some of the items suffered no damage. It was unclear when the other rooms would be accessible.Yesterday, contractors working with the city recovered almost 200 boxes of the museum’s archives from a second-floor room in the Mulberry Street building. Some of the items suffered no damage. It was unclear when the other rooms would be accessible.
Councilwoman Margaret S. Chin, who represents part of Lower Manhattan, said the Lunar New Year was an opportunity for the Chinese community to show resilience.Councilwoman Margaret S. Chin, who represents part of Lower Manhattan, said the Lunar New Year was an opportunity for the Chinese community to show resilience.
“We’ve gone through a lot in the past,” Ms. Chin said, “but we always manage to come together to rebuild.”“We’ve gone through a lot in the past,” Ms. Chin said, “but we always manage to come together to rebuild.”
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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.
A pregnant woman was pronounced dead after being shoved from a moving car in Brooklyn. [New York Post]A pregnant woman was pronounced dead after being shoved from a moving car in Brooklyn. [New York Post]
The founder of City Bakery plans to open a cafe focused on hot chocolate. [Grub Street]The founder of City Bakery plans to open a cafe focused on hot chocolate. [Grub Street]
Billy Joel’s Long Island home was broken into. The burglar damaged 12 motorcycles and a home office. [Daily News]Billy Joel’s Long Island home was broken into. The burglar damaged 12 motorcycles and a home office. [Daily News]
“Rediscovering New York: Revealing Forgotten Landscapes” is a panel discussion at the Brooklyn Historical Society. 6:30 p.m. [$15]“Rediscovering New York: Revealing Forgotten Landscapes” is a panel discussion at the Brooklyn Historical Society. 6:30 p.m. [$15]
The maritime historian Bill Miller delivers a lecture called “Floating Palaces: The Great Atlantic Liners” at the National Lighthouse Museum in Staten Island. 6 p.m. [$10]The maritime historian Bill Miller delivers a lecture called “Floating Palaces: The Great Atlantic Liners” at the National Lighthouse Museum in Staten Island. 6 p.m. [$10]
“Independent Lens: First Rainbow Coalition” screens at the Countee Cullen Library in Manhattan. 4:30 p.m. [Free]“Independent Lens: First Rainbow Coalition” screens at the Countee Cullen Library in Manhattan. 4:30 p.m. [Free]
— Alex Traub— Alex Traub
Events are subject to change, so double-check before heading out. For more events, see the going-out guides from The Times’s culture pages.Events are subject to change, so double-check before heading out. For more events, see the going-out guides from The Times’s culture pages.
The Times’s Melissa Guerrero writes:
Whether it’s a halal platter, a chocolate babka slice or a bowl of matzo ball soup, comfort food in New York City comes in all different cultures, plates and sizes.
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.
The Times’s Melissa Guerrero writes:
Whether it’s a halal platter, a chocolate babka slice or a bowl of matzo ball soup, comfort food in New York City comes in all different cultures, plates and sizes.
And a talk tonight at the Museum of the City of New York aims to celebrate that.And a talk tonight at the Museum of the City of New York aims to celebrate that.
As part of the museum’s “Unexpected Pairings” series, the event is bringing together Pierre Thiam, a co-founder and the executive chef of the West African restaurant Teranga in Harlem, and Jake Dell, the fifth-generation owner of the 132-year-old Katz’s Delicatessen on the Lower East Side.As part of the museum’s “Unexpected Pairings” series, the event is bringing together Pierre Thiam, a co-founder and the executive chef of the West African restaurant Teranga in Harlem, and Jake Dell, the fifth-generation owner of the 132-year-old Katz’s Delicatessen on the Lower East Side.
In conversation with Julia Moskin, a Times food reporter, the speakers will discuss the city’s immigrant food culture and how comfort food is defined across the five boroughs.In conversation with Julia Moskin, a Times food reporter, the speakers will discuss the city’s immigrant food culture and how comfort food is defined across the five boroughs.
“Comfort food means different things for different cultures,” Mr. Thiam said. “It’s really the food that you’re nostalgic about, the food that connects with you in a deeper way. The food that you had growing up.”“Comfort food means different things for different cultures,” Mr. Thiam said. “It’s really the food that you’re nostalgic about, the food that connects with you in a deeper way. The food that you had growing up.”
And an event about food shouldn’t be without it. Visitors will be treated to a post-talk meal featuring samples of beef suya with ndambe from Teranga and matzo ball soup and pastrami from Katz’s.And an event about food shouldn’t be without it. Visitors will be treated to a post-talk meal featuring samples of beef suya with ndambe from Teranga and matzo ball soup and pastrami from Katz’s.
“What does West African food and Ashkenazi food have in common?” Mr. Dell asked. “It’s comforting to people. To different people.”“What does West African food and Ashkenazi food have in common?” Mr. Dell asked. “It’s comforting to people. To different people.”
He added: “It’s still about bringing you to your roots. Whatever those roots are.”He added: “It’s still about bringing you to your roots. Whatever those roots are.”
It’s Thursday — fill your plate.It’s Thursday — fill your plate.
Dear Diary:Dear Diary:
I was walking through Chinatown when I saw a man I almost used to know.I was walking through Chinatown when I saw a man I almost used to know.
He was a quiet, pleasant man who worked as a cleaner at a gym on the Lower East Side where I used to work out. He was there every day, hauling bags of dirty towels and spraying down the free weights.He was a quiet, pleasant man who worked as a cleaner at a gym on the Lower East Side where I used to work out. He was there every day, hauling bags of dirty towels and spraying down the free weights.
I had never learned his name and he had never learned mine, but we would smile at each other when our paths crossed.I had never learned his name and he had never learned mine, but we would smile at each other when our paths crossed.
I hadn’t thought about him in years, but seeing him on the street going about his business, made me remember so much about his looks and his mannerisms then. He was grayer now, and still small but strong, like a welterweight boxer.I hadn’t thought about him in years, but seeing him on the street going about his business, made me remember so much about his looks and his mannerisms then. He was grayer now, and still small but strong, like a welterweight boxer.
I stopped and gazed at him as he walked past me down the street, a ghost from my younger days.I stopped and gazed at him as he walked past me down the street, a ghost from my younger days.
I thought about my old life on the Lower East Side and all of the things that were happening when I was going to that gym. And I thought about all of the people who were a part of my daily life now whose names I might never learn.I thought about my old life on the Lower East Side and all of the things that were happening when I was going to that gym. And I thought about all of the people who were a part of my daily life now whose names I might never learn.
— Eric Hutchinson— Eric Hutchinson
New York Today is published weekdays around 6 a.m. Sign up here to get it by email. You can also find it at nytoday.com.New York Today is published weekdays around 6 a.m. Sign up here to get it by email. You can also find it at nytoday.com.
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