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Coronavirus Could Hit N.Y.C. Like the Great Depression, Mayor Warns: Live Updates Coronavirus in New York Expected to Peak in 45 Days, Governor Says: Live Updates
(32 minutes later)
On Tuesday morning, the New York City Council speaker, Corey Johnson, called for a citywide, mandatory quarantine like the one San Francisco enacted on Monday.
“We are making incremental solutions when we should be ripping the Band-Aid off,” Mr. Johnson said on the Brian Lehrer radio show on WNYC on Tuesday.
But Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo immediately shot it down.
“It cannot happen,” Mr. Cuomo said in a briefing 15 minutes later. “No city in the state can quarantine itself without state approval, and I have no interest whatsoever and no plan whatsoever to quarantine any city.”
Mr. Cuomo said any move to implement a quarantine would be “statewide, comprehensive,” but that there was none in the works.
As of Tuesday morning, 1,374 people in New York State have tested positive for the virus, up from 950 the day before, with 644 cases in the city. Twelve people have died from the virus in New York State, including seven in the city. Mayor de Blasio said the city was on pace to hit 1,000 cases this week.
The outbreak is projected to peak in 45 days, on May 1, Mr. Cuomo said, at which point the state will need 55,000 to 110,000 hospital beds and 18,600 to 37,000 intensive care beds.
The peak will very likely overwhelm New York’s healthcare system, Mr. Cuomo said: The state currently has about 53,000 hospital beds and 3,000 intensive-care beds..
“The numbers are daunting,” he said. “What are we doing? Everything we can.”
Mr. Cuomo urged New Yorkers to get out and enjoy their city and state parks and try to relax. Donning his therapist-in-chief hat, he allowed himself a digression about the emotional toll of dealing with all the strictures of life under the coronavirus.
“‘Don’t hug. Don’t kiss. Stay 6 feet away’: We are emotional beings and it is important for us especially at times of fear, times of stress to feel connected to someone to feel comforted by someone,” the governor said, adding that he was broken-hearted that he had not seen his daughter in two weeks. (Mr. Cuomo had previously said that one of his three daughters was in self-isolation after coming into contact with a person who tested positive for the virus.)
Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York City has, from the beginning of the crisis caused by coronavirus, used the great disasters of the last hundred years as a reference point. On Tuesday, he warned New Yorkers to brace themselves for economic hardship like something out of the Great Depression.Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York City has, from the beginning of the crisis caused by coronavirus, used the great disasters of the last hundred years as a reference point. 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.”Restrictions on the city’s 25,000 restaurants, which are now allowed only to do takeout and delivery, will likely remain in place for months. “Thank God some people will still be employed,” the mayor said.
Restrictions on the city’s 25,000 restaurants, which are now allowed only to do takeout and delivery, will likely remain in place for months. “Thank God some people will still be employed,” the mayor said. Get an informed guide to the global outbreak with our daily coronavirus
His comments followed similar remarks by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo Monday evening. newsletter.
“The economy was teetering, to begin with,” Mr. Cuomo said. “This is a deep, deep economic hole.” He added: “You’ll have businesses closed that never reopen.” On Monday, after Governor Cuomo waived the seven-day waiting period to apply for unemployment, the surge of new claims crashed the State Labor Department’s website. The agency said it received more than triple the calls it had the week before — a rush it likened to the aftermath of 9/11.
The mayor said on Tuesday that he still hoped to reopen public schools by April 20, but added, “Watching the trajectory it’s hard to imagine that’s going to work. “This is a deep, deep economic hole,” Mr. Cuomo said. “You’ll have businesses closed that never reopen.”
“The worst is we lose the whole school year,” he said.
The mayor was asked several times Tuesday about enforcing a mandatory quarantine like the one San Francisco enacted on Monday. He said that all options were on the table.
But the City Council speaker, Corey Johnson, called for an order that would require residents to stay in their homes.
“We are making incremental solutions when we should be ripping the Band-Aid off,” Mr. Johnson said on the Brian Lehrer radio show on WNYC on Tuesday.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo immediately quashed the idea.
“It cannot happen,” Mr. Cuomo said in a briefing Tuesday morning. “No city in the state can quarantine itself without state approval, and I have no interest whatsoever and no plan whatsoever to quarantine any city.”
On Tuesday, Governor Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey said that a 5-year-old had tested positive for the virus, stressing that the disease affects people of every age.On Tuesday, Governor Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey said that a 5-year-old had tested positive for the virus, stressing that the disease affects people of every age.
“We have a lot of teenagers and young adults who think ‘I am too healthy, I’ve heard even if I get this, the symptoms are mild,’” he said. “Even if you have a mild case and God willing that 5-year old will have a mild case, you can pass this virus on without even knowing it.”“We have a lot of teenagers and young adults who think ‘I am too healthy, I’ve heard even if I get this, the symptoms are mild,’” he said. “Even if you have a mild case and God willing that 5-year old will have a mild case, you can pass this virus on without even knowing it.”
Cases in New Jersey nearly doubled in a day on Monday, up to 178, from 98 on Sunday.Cases in New Jersey nearly doubled in a day on Monday, up to 178, from 98 on Sunday.
As of Monday evening, the totals in New York stood at 950 cases statewide up from 729 the day before, with 463 cases in the city. Nine people have died from the virus in New York State, including seven in the city, and 158 people have been hospitalized. Mayor de Blasio said the city was on pace to hit 1,000 cases this week.
Connecticut reported 41 confirmed cases on Monday, up from 26 on Sunday.Connecticut reported 41 confirmed cases on Monday, up from 26 on Sunday.
As the coronavirus has swept across New York, officials have become increasingly alarmed about a bleak reality: The state may not have enough ventilators for everybody who could need one.As the coronavirus has swept across New York, officials have become increasingly alarmed about a bleak reality: The state may not have enough ventilators for everybody who could need one.
It is possible that the state could slow down the spread of the virus enough to curb the demand for ventilators, the machines that help the sickest patients breathe. But a panel convened a few years ago by the state found that in the worst-case scenario of a flulike pandemic, New York could be short by as many as 15,783 ventilators at the peak of the crisis.It is possible that the state could slow down the spread of the virus enough to curb the demand for ventilators, the machines that help the sickest patients breathe. But a panel convened a few years ago by the state found that in the worst-case scenario of a flulike pandemic, New York could be short by as many as 15,783 ventilators at the peak of the crisis.
The panel, the New York State Task Force on Life and the Law, studied ventilators for years before issuing a 2015 report offering guidance for hospitals on how to decide whom to ventilate and whom to effectively let die during an emergency. The advice is now frighteningly relevant.The panel, the New York State Task Force on Life and the Law, studied ventilators for years before issuing a 2015 report offering guidance for hospitals on how to decide whom to ventilate and whom to effectively let die during an emergency. The advice is now frighteningly relevant.
Get an informed guide to the global outbreak with our daily coronavirus
newsletter.
While a national stockpile of ventilators exists, it is unclear how the machines will be doled out. In a conference call on Monday with a group of governors, including Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York, President Trump said that states should not count on the federal government for more ventilators or other equipment.While a national stockpile of ventilators exists, it is unclear how the machines will be doled out. In a conference call on Monday with a group of governors, including Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York, President Trump said that states should not count on the federal government for more ventilators or other equipment.
“We will be backing you,” Mr. Trump said, according to a recording of the call, “but try getting it yourselves.“We will be backing you,” Mr. Trump said, according to a recording of the call, “but try getting it yourselves.
Mr. Trump on Tuesday tweeted at Mr. Cuomo, continuing a multi-day spat between the president and the governor of the state with the most coronavirus infections.Mr. Trump on Tuesday tweeted at Mr. Cuomo, continuing a multi-day spat between the president and the governor of the state with the most coronavirus infections.
“Cuomo wants “all states to be treated the same,” Mr. Trump wrote. “But all states aren’t the same.”“Cuomo wants “all states to be treated the same,” Mr. Trump wrote. “But all states aren’t the same.”
“Andrew, keep politics out of it,” he added.“Andrew, keep politics out of it,” he added.
The tweet followed an volley between the two men on Monday, when the president tweeted then that the governor needed to “do more” to fight the coronavirus.The tweet followed an volley between the two men on Monday, when the president tweeted then that the governor needed to “do more” to fight the coronavirus.
Mr. Cuomo responded on Twitter, “No — YOU have to do something! You’re supposed to be the President.” Mr. Trump later deleted the tweet but Mr. Cuomo continued to respond.Mr. Cuomo responded on Twitter, “No — YOU have to do something! You’re supposed to be the President.” Mr. Trump later deleted the tweet but Mr. Cuomo continued to respond.
“Happy to do your job, too,” Mr. Cuomo said. “Just give me control of the Army Corps of Engineers and I’ll take it from there.”“Happy to do your job, too,” Mr. Cuomo said. “Just give me control of the Army Corps of Engineers and I’ll take it from there.”
The governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut announced broad restrictions on public life on Monday, with gatherings of more than 50 people banned in all three states and many nonessential businesses ordered closed.The governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut announced broad restrictions on public life on Monday, with gatherings of more than 50 people banned in all three states and many nonessential businesses ordered closed.
All schools in New York State were also closed for at least two weeks, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced. The move came after New York City’s public school system, the nation’s largest, shut down for at least five weeks.All schools in New York State were also closed for at least two weeks, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced. The move came after New York City’s public school system, the nation’s largest, shut down for at least five weeks.
Casinos, gyms and movie theaters in the three states must close by 8 p.m. Monday, Mr. Cuomo said on a joint call with Govs. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey and Ned Lamont of Connecticut.Casinos, gyms and movie theaters in the three states must close by 8 p.m. Monday, Mr. Cuomo said on a joint call with Govs. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey and Ned Lamont of Connecticut.
Bars and restaurants will be limited to takeout and delivery, Mr. Cuomo said. Groceries, gas stations, pharmacies and some other businesses can stay open. Mr. Cuomo said he was also encouraging other businesses to close at 8 p.m.Bars and restaurants will be limited to takeout and delivery, Mr. Cuomo said. Groceries, gas stations, pharmacies and some other businesses can stay open. Mr. Cuomo said he was also encouraging other businesses to close at 8 p.m.
On Monday, Mr. Murphy asked New Jersey residents to stay at home from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. every day for now, a day after suggesting that he was considering a mandatory curfew.On Monday, Mr. Murphy asked New Jersey residents to stay at home from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. every day for now, a day after suggesting that he was considering a mandatory curfew.
“We are strongly asking, pleading with folks, to stay home,” Mr. Murphy said on Monday night. Asked about how long the recommendation would be in effect, he said: “It certainly is at least weeks, and it may be many months.”“We are strongly asking, pleading with folks, to stay home,” Mr. Murphy said on Monday night. Asked about how long the recommendation would be in effect, he said: “It certainly is at least weeks, and it may be many months.”
A surge of laid-off workers seeking unemployment benefits swamped New York’s Labor Department on Monday.
After Governor Cuomo waived the seven-day waiting period to apply, workers who had been let go over the weekend immediately tried to replace some of their lost income.
Frustrated applicants complained on social media about not being able to apply online. Some said that the state’s system was crashing all day.
Madeleine Witenberg tried to help her partner, Irene Leon, who had just been laid off from her full-time job as a bartender and server at a restaurant in Dumbo in Brooklyn. Using two different computers, the women made three unsuccessful tries to navigate the system, Ms. Leon said.
“It just cut me off as soon as I was making progress,” she said.
The department acknowledged the problem.
“Today we experienced a massive increase in the volume of unemployment insurance claims, which slowed down the server,” it said in a statement. “It is currently being addressed.”
A department spokeswoman, Deanna Cohen, said the agency had received 8,758 calls by noon, more than triple what it got last Monday.
“We are seeing a spike in volume that is comparable to post-9/11, but make no mistake, anyone entitled to these benefits is going to receive them in a timely manner,” Ms. Cohen said.
Bars are closed, the theaters are shuttered, and not even the mayor can perform his morning workout. But one constant remains in New York City: Alternate-side parking is still in effect.Bars are closed, the theaters are shuttered, and not even the mayor can perform his morning workout. But one constant remains in New York City: Alternate-side parking is still in effect.
“That’s still being discussed,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said at a news conference on Monday, when asked whether the city would suspend the practice.“That’s still being discussed,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said at a news conference on Monday, when asked whether the city would suspend the practice.
On Tuesday morning, the rules were still being enforced.On Tuesday morning, the rules were still being enforced.
Alternate-side parking rules, the bane of New York City’s car owners, require vehicles to be moved out of the way of street cleaners on one side of the street on specific days, often twice a week.Alternate-side parking rules, the bane of New York City’s car owners, require vehicles to be moved out of the way of street cleaners on one side of the street on specific days, often twice a week.
The rules are waived on holidays and are often suspended for days at a time during snow and other kinds of foul weather.The rules are waived on holidays and are often suspended for days at a time during snow and other kinds of foul weather.
But with the city health department urging New Yorkers to stay home as much as possible, a growing number of motorists and elected officials have been calling for the city to suspend a rule that forces people out of their homes.But with the city health department urging New Yorkers to stay home as much as possible, a growing number of motorists and elected officials have been calling for the city to suspend a rule that forces people out of their homes.
“It’s completely insane, insane, that alternate side of the street parking has not been suspended” City Council Speaker Corey Johnson said on Tuesday.“It’s completely insane, insane, that alternate side of the street parking has not been suspended” City Council Speaker Corey Johnson said on Tuesday.
Laura Feyer, a spokeswoman for the mayor, said that car owners who received alternate-side parking tickets while under self-isolation could have the tickets dismissed with “medical documentation or testimony.”Laura Feyer, a spokeswoman for the mayor, said that car owners who received alternate-side parking tickets while under self-isolation could have the tickets dismissed with “medical documentation or testimony.”
Sandra Martinez and her daughter, Nicole, wore face masks on Monday and headed to a grocery store in Jackson Heights, Queens, to pick up canned goods and toilet paper.
Nicole, 11, would normally be at her middle school while her mother worked as a waitress at a Colombian restaurant. But the closing of New York City’s public school system forced them to overhaul their routine.
“I’m worried about the bills, the car, the rent,” said Ms. Martinez, 42, who will be out of work and unpaid for an indefinite period as restaurants and bars shift to offering only delivery and takeout services.
Families across New York City were scrambling for resources and child care as the threat of the coronavirus and the school shutdown put a heavy strain on parents. (About 14,000 New York City students picked up free meals at their schools on Monday, the schools chancellor Richard A. Carranza said, a tiny fraction of the roughly 750,000 children who qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Mr. Carranza said he expected that number to grow.)
The challenge facing Ms. Martinez showed not just the impact of the school closings, but also the effect of the virus’s spread on New York City’s restaurant industry.
On Tuesday, all New York City recreation centers and nature centers closed to the public until further notice, the parks department said. City parks and playgrounds remain open.On Tuesday, all New York City recreation centers and nature centers closed to the public until further notice, the parks department said. City parks and playgrounds remain open.
Popular public spaces like playgrounds are not risk-free — by some estimates, the can survive on metal, glass and plastic surfaces for 2 hours to nine 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 a couple of minutes to days.
New York City does not regularly clean outdoor furniture and play equipment, said Meghan Lalor, a spokeswoman for the city parks department. “We have not yet committed to changing our standard operations due to coronavirus, said Meghan Lalor, a spokeswoman for the city parks department, “but we will continue to monitor the situation as it develops.”
“We have not yet committed to changing our standard operations due to coronavirus, but we will continue to monitor the situation as it develops,” she said. Dr. Sean O’Leary, M.D., an executive member of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Committee on Infectious Diseases, said playgrounds are “probably not the safest place right now.” He recommended going to big, wide-open parks when available.
Dr. Sean O’Leary, M.D., an executive member of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Committee on Infectious Diseases, said playgrounds are “probably not the safest place right now.” For city dwellers, he recommended going to big, wide-open parks when available, where children can stay six feet apart from each other and not touch equipment.
The New York Times is looking for New York City teachers to tell us about the switch to remote learning. We want to hear about lesson plans, what you’re learning from colleagues during training and how you’re planning to check on students that need the most support.The New York Times is looking for New York City teachers to tell us about the switch to remote learning. We want to hear about lesson plans, what you’re learning from colleagues during training and how you’re planning to check on students that need the most support.
If you can, send us a screenshot of your lesson, or a photo of your home classroom setup. Your name and comments may be published, but your contact information will not. A reporter or editor may follow up with you.If you can, send us a screenshot of your lesson, or a photo of your home classroom setup. Your name and comments may be published, but your contact information will not. A reporter or editor may follow up with you.
Jonah Engel Bromwich, Joseph Goldstein, Jessica Grose, Matthew Haag, Corina Knoll, Patrick McGeehan, Jesse McKinley, Andy Newman, Amelia Nierenberg, Brian M. Rosenthal, Matthew Sedacca, Eliza Shapiro, Liam Stack, Tracey Tully and Michael Wilson contributed reporting. Jonah Engel Bromwich, Annie Correal, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Joseph Goldstein, Jessica Grose, Matthew Haag, Corina Knoll, Patrick McGeehan, Jesse McKinley, Andy Newman, Amelia Nierenberg, Jan Ransom, Brian M. Rosenthal, Matthew Sedacca, Eliza Shapiro, Ashley Southall, Liam Stack, Tracey Tully and Michael Wilson contributed reporting.