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N.Y.C. May ‘Shelter in Place,’ and M.T.A. Seeks $4 Billion Federal Bailout N.Y.C. May ‘Shelter in Place,’ and M.T.A. Seeks $4 Billion Federal Bailout
(3 months later)
[This briefing has ended. For the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak in the New York area, read Wednesday’s live coverage.][This briefing has ended. For the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak in the New York area, read Wednesday’s live coverage.]
Mayor Bill de Blasio warned New York City residents on Tuesday afternoon to prepare for the possibility of a “shelter in place” order within the next 48 hours.Mayor Bill de Blasio warned New York City residents on Tuesday afternoon to prepare for the possibility of a “shelter in place” order within the next 48 hours.
“It is definitely a possibility at this point,” the mayor said at a City Hall news conference, where he acknowledged that such a move had to be coordinated with state officials.“It is definitely a possibility at this point,” the mayor said at a City Hall news conference, where he acknowledged that such a move had to be coordinated with state officials.
Mr. de Blasio did not elaborate on what such an order would look like in New York City, but a similar directive in California’s Bay Area requires people to stay at home except for essential activities.Mr. de Blasio did not elaborate on what such an order would look like in New York City, but a similar directive in California’s Bay Area requires people to stay at home except for essential activities.
The mayor said that such an order could limit movement in the city to people with essential jobs like police officers, firefighters and health care workers. It could also allow people to go outside to exercise, although he noted that Italy had imposed more restrictive measures.The mayor said that such an order could limit movement in the city to people with essential jobs like police officers, firefighters and health care workers. It could also allow people to go outside to exercise, although he noted that Italy had imposed more restrictive measures.
Not long after the mayor made his comments, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo tamped down any suggestion that a shelter-in-place order was imminent.Not long after the mayor made his comments, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo tamped down any suggestion that a shelter-in-place order was imminent.
“Any blanket quarantine or shelter in place policy would require state action and as the governor has said, there is no consideration of that for any locality at this time,” Melissa DeRosa, a top aide to Mr. Cuomo, said in a statement.“Any blanket quarantine or shelter in place policy would require state action and as the governor has said, there is no consideration of that for any locality at this time,” Melissa DeRosa, a top aide to Mr. Cuomo, said in a statement.
Calling in to the NY1 cable channel later in the day, Mr. Cuomo reiterated that position.Calling in to the NY1 cable channel later in the day, Mr. Cuomo reiterated that position.
“There’s not going to be any quarantine, where we contain people within an area, or we block people from an area,” he said. “Individual mobility is what we’re all about. There’s not going to be any you-have-to-stay-in-your-house rule.”“There’s not going to be any quarantine, where we contain people within an area, or we block people from an area,” he said. “Individual mobility is what we’re all about. There’s not going to be any you-have-to-stay-in-your-house rule.”
Mr. de Blasio also said on Tuesday that the city would be able to test 5,000 people a day for coronavirus, a major increase from the current capacity of several hundred people a day. And he said that alternate-side parking rules would be suspended for at least a week.Mr. de Blasio also said on Tuesday that the city would be able to test 5,000 people a day for coronavirus, a major increase from the current capacity of several hundred people a day. And he said that alternate-side parking rules would be suspended for at least a week.
As of Tuesday, more than 1,500 people in New York State had tested positive for the virus, up from 950 the day before; 814 of the cases were in the city, including that of a New York Police Department officer assigned to the First Precinct in Lower Manhattan. (Seventeen officers who may have had contact with that officer were in self-quarantine.)As of Tuesday, more than 1,500 people in New York State had tested positive for the virus, up from 950 the day before; 814 of the cases were in the city, including that of a New York Police Department officer assigned to the First Precinct in Lower Manhattan. (Seventeen officers who may have had contact with that officer were in self-quarantine.)
Fifteen people have died from the virus in New York State, including at least 10 in New York City.Fifteen people have died from the virus in New York State, including at least 10 in New York City.
“We are certainly going to have thousands of cases next week,” Mr. de Blasio said. “It is not that long before we hit 10,000 cases, that is a true statement.”“We are certainly going to have thousands of cases next week,” Mr. de Blasio said. “It is not that long before we hit 10,000 cases, that is a true statement.”
The number of cases in New Jersey rose to 267 on Tuesday, up from 178 on Monday, with three deaths. In Connecticut, the count reached 68 confirmed cases, up from 41 on Monday.The number of cases in New Jersey rose to 267 on Tuesday, up from 178 on Monday, with three deaths. In Connecticut, the count reached 68 confirmed cases, up from 41 on Monday.
New York City’s public transportation system, the largest in North America, is seeking a $4 billion federal bailout as the coronavirus pandemic triggers an extraordinary free fall in ridership that has created what is likely to be the local economy’s worst crisis in decades.New York City’s public transportation system, the largest in North America, is seeking a $4 billion federal bailout as the coronavirus pandemic triggers an extraordinary free fall in ridership that has created what is likely to be the local economy’s worst crisis in decades.
In a letter on Tuesday to New York’s congressional delegation, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which runs the city’s subway and buses and two commuter railroads, said that subway ridership had plunged 60 percent and bus ridership had fallen 49 percent on Monday compared with the same day last year.In a letter on Tuesday to New York’s congressional delegation, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which runs the city’s subway and buses and two commuter railroads, said that subway ridership had plunged 60 percent and bus ridership had fallen 49 percent on Monday compared with the same day last year.
Other parts of the system have experienced similarly steep drops during the Tuesday morning rush hour compared with the same day last year: 90 percent on Metro-North Railroad, which serves communities north of New York City, and 67 percent on the Long Island Rail Road.Other parts of the system have experienced similarly steep drops during the Tuesday morning rush hour compared with the same day last year: 90 percent on Metro-North Railroad, which serves communities north of New York City, and 67 percent on the Long Island Rail Road.
“The M.T.A. is now facing financial calamity,” Patrick J. Foye, chairman of the transit authority, said in the letter.“The M.T.A. is now facing financial calamity,” Patrick J. Foye, chairman of the transit authority, said in the letter.
The authority projects revenue losses of around $3.7 billion if ridership trends continue for the next several months, and expects coronavirus-specific expenses, like disinfecting subway cars and stations, to reach around $300 million.The authority projects revenue losses of around $3.7 billion if ridership trends continue for the next several months, and expects coronavirus-specific expenses, like disinfecting subway cars and stations, to reach around $300 million.
New York University is asking its students to vacate their dormitory rooms by Wednesday, on the chance they could be needed as makeshift hospital rooms.New York University is asking its students to vacate their dormitory rooms by Wednesday, on the chance they could be needed as makeshift hospital rooms.
Marc Wais, senior vice president for student affairs, told students in an email on Tuesday that the university had an “institutional responsibility” to help if the outbreak worsens.Marc Wais, senior vice president for student affairs, told students in an email on Tuesday that the university had an “institutional responsibility” to help if the outbreak worsens.
“There are significant indications that the state, as part of its contingency planning, is looking at university dormitories as settings for overflow beds from hospitals grappling with potentially overwhelming numbers of sick patients,” Mr. Wais said.“There are significant indications that the state, as part of its contingency planning, is looking at university dormitories as settings for overflow beds from hospitals grappling with potentially overwhelming numbers of sick patients,” Mr. Wais said.
A university spokesman said that state officials had contacted universities and that “their contingency planning appears to be taking account of the presence of potentially empty college student bed spaces for coronavirus-related needs.”A university spokesman said that state officials had contacted universities and that “their contingency planning appears to be taking account of the presence of potentially empty college student bed spaces for coronavirus-related needs.”
Mr. Cuomo wrote in an Op-Ed in The New York Times that the “best hope” for addressing a potential shortage of hospital beds was to convert existing facilities like military bases or college dormitories.Mr. Cuomo wrote in an Op-Ed in The New York Times that the “best hope” for addressing a potential shortage of hospital beds was to convert existing facilities like military bases or college dormitories.
New York University also has an affiliated hospital, NYU Langone Medical Center, whose nurses and doctors could need overnight lodging if they are pressed into service during a crisis.New York University also has an affiliated hospital, NYU Langone Medical Center, whose nurses and doctors could need overnight lodging if they are pressed into service during a crisis.
Mr. Wais indicated that many students had not heeded earlier calls to leave their dormitories. “Altogether, this was the opposite of what we needed,” he said.Mr. Wais indicated that many students had not heeded earlier calls to leave their dormitories. “Altogether, this was the opposite of what we needed,” he said.
Nineteen people who attended a psychotherapy conference in New York City this month have tested positive for coronavirus and dozens more are in self-quarantine, according to the conference organizers, the American Group Psychotherapy Association.Nineteen people who attended a psychotherapy conference in New York City this month have tested positive for coronavirus and dozens more are in self-quarantine, according to the conference organizers, the American Group Psychotherapy Association.
The event, AGPA Connect 2020, was held at a Sheraton in Midtown Manhattan from March 2 to 7, and drew about 1,100 mental health professionals from around the world, according to Diane Feirman, an association spokeswoman.The event, AGPA Connect 2020, was held at a Sheraton in Midtown Manhattan from March 2 to 7, and drew about 1,100 mental health professionals from around the world, according to Diane Feirman, an association spokeswoman.
The Americans who tested positive were from California, Idaho, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Texas, Washington State and the District of Columbia. Five of the 19 were from other countries, including Britain, Canada, Iceland and Singapore, Ms. Feirman said.The Americans who tested positive were from California, Idaho, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Texas, Washington State and the District of Columbia. Five of the 19 were from other countries, including Britain, Canada, Iceland and Singapore, Ms. Feirman said.
None of those who attended the conference and tested positive for the virus had reported being hospitalized, she said. Another 19 or so people have reported symptoms or are trying to arranged for testing, she said.None of those who attended the conference and tested positive for the virus had reported being hospitalized, she said. Another 19 or so people have reported symptoms or are trying to arranged for testing, she said.
One person who tested positive, a 65-year-old psychotherapist who lives near Boston and asked that she not be identified by name, said she decided to get tested after learning that she had been seated at a table with someone who later tested positive.One person who tested positive, a 65-year-old psychotherapist who lives near Boston and asked that she not be identified by name, said she decided to get tested after learning that she had been seated at a table with someone who later tested positive.
“I felt like I had been hit by a Mack Truck,” the woman said about the illness.“I felt like I had been hit by a Mack Truck,” the woman said about the illness.
She said she had not held any in-person psychotherapy sessions since returning from the conference. She said that her husband had moved to another part of their home and that her son and his girlfriend had gone into isolation.She said she had not held any in-person psychotherapy sessions since returning from the conference. She said that her husband had moved to another part of their home and that her son and his girlfriend had gone into isolation.
She had weathered days of fever, cough, aches and fatigue.She had weathered days of fever, cough, aches and fatigue.
“The fatigue is profound,” she said.“The fatigue is profound,” she said.
New York City has issued 550 violations and $275,000 in fines to retailers accused of price gouging on items in high demand during the pandemic, officials said on Tuesday.New York City has issued 550 violations and $275,000 in fines to retailers accused of price gouging on items in high demand during the pandemic, officials said on Tuesday.
On Monday, Mr. de Blasio announced that fines would be issued to shops that charged excessive prices on items like hand sanitizer. Retailers cannot charge 10 percent more than the product’s usual price, the city said.On Monday, Mr. de Blasio announced that fines would be issued to shops that charged excessive prices on items like hand sanitizer. Retailers cannot charge 10 percent more than the product’s usual price, the city said.
Updated June 12, 2020
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
The city said the fines were issued for high prices on three items: face masks, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes. The 10-percent restriction will remain in place for at least two months.The city said the fines were issued for high prices on three items: face masks, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes. The 10-percent restriction will remain in place for at least two months.
The authorities also inspected restaurants and bars on Tuesday to make sure they were following new restrictions that limit their services to takeout or delivery only. Mr. de Blasio did not disclose how many inspections had taken place but said that roughly 90 percent of the establishments were following the new rules.The authorities also inspected restaurants and bars on Tuesday to make sure they were following new restrictions that limit their services to takeout or delivery only. Mr. de Blasio did not disclose how many inspections had taken place but said that roughly 90 percent of the establishments were following the new rules.
The others received warnings, he said.The others received warnings, he said.
One of the 814 people in New York City with the coronavirus is a woman in her 50s who shared a room with eight other women in a city homeless shelter, officials said.One of the 814 people in New York City with the coronavirus is a woman in her 50s who shared a room with eight other women in a city homeless shelter, officials said.
Isaac McGinn, a spokesman for the city’s Department of Social Services, would not disclose the shelter’s location or other specifics, including when the woman tested positive. He said the woman’s roommates had been moved to a building that the city had set up for quarantine purposes.Isaac McGinn, a spokesman for the city’s Department of Social Services, would not disclose the shelter’s location or other specifics, including when the woman tested positive. He said the woman’s roommates had been moved to a building that the city had set up for quarantine purposes.
New York City has about 100 shelters for single adults, and most of them resemble dormitories with shared bathrooms. Such sleeping arrangements have put shelter providers on high alert.New York City has about 100 shelters for single adults, and most of them resemble dormitories with shared bathrooms. Such sleeping arrangements have put shelter providers on high alert.
The shelter where the woman who tested positive lived has been cleaned, Mr. McGinn said. Employees at the shelter were monitoring the health of others there.The shelter where the woman who tested positive lived has been cleaned, Mr. McGinn said. Employees at the shelter were monitoring the health of others there.
About two dozen other residents in the city’s primary shelter system have gone to hospitals or have been referred to hospitals, he said.About two dozen other residents in the city’s primary shelter system have gone to hospitals or have been referred to hospitals, he said.
Mr. de Blasio of New York City has, from the beginning of the coronavirus crisis, used great disasters of the past as reference points. On Tuesday, he warned New Yorkers to brace themselves for economic hardship like something out of the Great Depression.Mr. de Blasio of New York City has, from the beginning of the coronavirus crisis, used great disasters of the past as reference points. On Tuesday, he warned New Yorkers to brace themselves for economic hardship like something out of the Great Depression.
Appearing on CNN, the mayor pleaded for the federal government to provide cash aid to people whose livelihoods have been affected, directly or indirectly, by the virus and said the city’s upended existence could last “well through the summer.”Appearing on CNN, the mayor pleaded for the federal government to provide cash aid to people whose livelihoods have been affected, directly or indirectly, by the virus and said the city’s upended existence could last “well through the summer.”
“The federal government needs to put money back in the hands of people,” said the mayor, a second-term Democrat. “We need direct income replacement at this point.”“The federal government needs to put money back in the hands of people,” said the mayor, a second-term Democrat. “We need direct income replacement at this point.”
New York City will open about 100 emergency child care centers across the five boroughs on Monday, according to the city’s Department of Education. The centers will accommodate the children of emergency services workers, health care workers and transit workers who attend both public and private schools, as well as some other highly vulnerable students.New York City will open about 100 emergency child care centers across the five boroughs on Monday, according to the city’s Department of Education. The centers will accommodate the children of emergency services workers, health care workers and transit workers who attend both public and private schools, as well as some other highly vulnerable students.
The sites will provide remote learning and meals for children age 3 through 18. Each room will have no more than 12 children and at least one adult to maintain social distancing.The sites will provide remote learning and meals for children age 3 through 18. Each room will have no more than 12 children and at least one adult to maintain social distancing.
All New York City public school students will switch to remote learning as of Monday, and children at the care centers will join the same online classes that their classmates from regular school are participating in.All New York City public school students will switch to remote learning as of Monday, and children at the care centers will join the same online classes that their classmates from regular school are participating in.
The centers will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will serve three meals to students in their classrooms, rather than in cafeterias, to avoid crowding. All other children in New York under the age of 18 can pick up free food at about 100 other sites that will be identified later this week, for as long as schools are closed.The centers will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will serve three meals to students in their classrooms, rather than in cafeterias, to avoid crowding. All other children in New York under the age of 18 can pick up free food at about 100 other sites that will be identified later this week, for as long as schools are closed.
On Tuesday, all New York City recreation centers and nature centers were closed to the public until further notice. Parks and playgrounds remained open.On Tuesday, all New York City recreation centers and nature centers were closed to the public until further notice. Parks and playgrounds remained open.
One caution: New York City does not regularly clean outdoor furniture and play equipment, and estimates on how long the coronavirus can survive on surfaces range widely, from minutes to days.One caution: New York City does not regularly clean outdoor furniture and play equipment, and estimates on how long the coronavirus can survive on surfaces range widely, from minutes to days.
“We have not yet committed to changing our standard operations due to coronavirus,” said Meghan Lalor, a parks department spokeswoman, “but we will continue to monitor the situation.”“We have not yet committed to changing our standard operations due to coronavirus,” said Meghan Lalor, a parks department spokeswoman, “but we will continue to monitor the situation.”
Dr. Sean O’Leary, an executive member of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Committee on Infectious Diseases, said that playgrounds were “probably not the safest place right now.” He recommended going to large, wide-open parks when possible.Dr. Sean O’Leary, an executive member of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Committee on Infectious Diseases, said that playgrounds were “probably not the safest place right now.” He recommended going to large, wide-open parks when possible.
Jonah Engel Bromwich, Annie Correal, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Joseph Goldstein, Jessica Grose, Matthew Haag, Corina Knoll, Patrick McGeehan, Jeffery C. Mays, Jesse McKinley, Andy Newman, Jan Ransom, Brian M. Rosenthal, Matthew Sedacca, Eliza Shapiro, Ashley Southall, Liam Stack, Nikita Stewart, Tracey Tully and Ali Watkins contributed reporting.Jonah Engel Bromwich, Annie Correal, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Joseph Goldstein, Jessica Grose, Matthew Haag, Corina Knoll, Patrick McGeehan, Jeffery C. Mays, Jesse McKinley, Andy Newman, Jan Ransom, Brian M. Rosenthal, Matthew Sedacca, Eliza Shapiro, Ashley Southall, Liam Stack, Nikita Stewart, Tracey Tully and Ali Watkins contributed reporting.