'Coronavirus on Long Island: 6 Die in Outbreak at Retirement Community' diff viewer (13/14)

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Coronavirus on Long Island: 6 Die in Outbreak at Retirement Community	Coronavirus on Long Island: 6 Die in Outbreak at Retirement Community
2020-06-24 11:38:31 UTC	2020-06-24 15:30:39 UTC (about 4 hours later)
The first sign appeared two weeks ago, when an employee tested positive for coronavirus. By Wednesday, Peconic Landing, an upscale elder community on the North Fork of Long Island, announced its sixth death from the virus, sparking fears of an even bigger outbreak among a vulnerable, confined population.	The first sign appeared two weeks ago, when an employee tested positive for coronavirus. By Wednesday, Peconic Landing, an upscale elder community on the North Fork of Long Island, announced its sixth death from the virus, sparking fears of an even bigger outbreak among a vulnerable, confined population.
What was a peaceful waterfront resort by the shores of Long Island Sound has become a scene of emergency crews and spreading anxiety. Employees worked double shifts or filled in for missing workers; when one threw out her mask to go on break, her supervisor reprimanded her for not reusing it.	What was a peaceful waterfront resort by the shores of Long Island Sound has become a scene of emergency crews and spreading anxiety. Employees worked double shifts or filled in for missing workers; when one threw out her mask to go on break, her supervisor reprimanded her for not reusing it.
Visitors trying to check in with parents were turned away at the gates, and families were advised that removing their relatives was even riskier than keeping them there.	Visitors trying to check in with parents were turned away at the gates, and families were advised that removing their relatives was even riskier than keeping them there.
“I’m 90 years old, I’d like to die naturally,” one resident told her son. “But I don’t want to die for this.”	“I’m 90 years old, I’d like to die naturally,” one resident told her son. “But I don’t want to die for this.”
The cases are the latest to hit a facility for older adults, who are at especially high risk of serious illness or death from the virus. Life Care Center in Kirkland, Wash., has seen the worst concentration of cases, with at least 35 deaths and about two-thirds of the residents testing positive for the virus.	The cases are the latest to hit a facility for older adults, who are at especially high risk of serious illness or death from the virus. Life Care Center in Kirkland, Wash., has seen the worst concentration of cases, with at least 35 deaths and about two-thirds of the residents testing positive for the virus.
At St. Joseph’s Senior Nursing Home in Woodbridge, N.J., at least 24 residents have tested positive. On Wednesday, all 94 patients were evacuated as the facility shut down.	At St. Joseph’s Senior Nursing Home in Woodbridge, N.J., at least 24 residents have tested positive. On Wednesday, all 94 patients were evacuated as the facility shut down.
Nursing homes and other group residences for older adults are particularly susceptible to the pandemic, because residents are in close contact with one another and with the workers, and because many residents already have other health problems and weakened immune systems.	Nursing homes and other group residences for older adults are particularly susceptible to the pandemic, because residents are in close contact with one another and with the workers, and because many residents already have other health problems and weakened immune systems.
“We can’t let Kirkland be the model for what happens,” said Tony Spiridakis, whose mother, Eugenia, 90, lives in an apartment at Peconic Landing and has remained healthy, if isolated. “I’m just terrified that they’re sitting ducks,” he said.	“We can’t let Kirkland be the model for what happens,” said Tony Spiridakis, whose mother, Eugenia, 90, lives in an apartment at Peconic Landing and has remained healthy, if isolated. “I’m just terrified that they’re sitting ducks,” he said.
Because the facility is on lockdown, for her birthday he put on a surgical mask and gloves and placed a sign on the lawn in front of her apartment.	Because the facility is on lockdown, for her birthday he put on a surgical mask and gloves and placed a sign on the lawn in front of her apartment.
The deaths at Peconic Landing included three men and three women, ages 88 to 97. The facility has not released the names of those who died. Family members were not permitted to be with some of the elders as they died, because of hospital restrictions to curb the spread of the virus.	The deaths at Peconic Landing included three men and three women, ages 88 to 97. The facility has not released the names of those who died. Family members were not permitted to be with some of the elders as they died, because of hospital restrictions to curb the spread of the virus.
Suffolk County, which includes some of the East Coast’s wealthiest beach communities, had 2,260 confirmed cases of Covid-19, and 20 deaths, as of Wednesday — at least one death in each of the last 7 days. “We’re seeing those numbers on a daily basis continue to rise,” Steve Bellone, the Democratic county executive, said. As elsewhere, there was a shortage of face masks, medical gowns, gloves and hand sanitizer.	Suffolk County, which includes some of the East Coast’s wealthiest beach communities, had 2,260 confirmed cases of Covid-19, and 20 deaths, as of Wednesday — at least one death in each of the last 7 days. “We’re seeing those numbers on a daily basis continue to rise,” Steve Bellone, the Democratic county executive, said. As elsewhere, there was a shortage of face masks, medical gowns, gloves and hand sanitizer.
Mr. Bellone said he has not been tested because of a shortage of tests.	Mr. Bellone said he has not been tested because of a shortage of tests.
Peconic Landing, which has 377 residents, or members, was seeking donations of protective gear for workers and residents, but a representative said that because of these donations, lack of equipment had not “impacted care” for any residents. Shortages of the essential protective equipment have been rampant at health facilities around the country, increasing risks of spread.	Peconic Landing, which has 377 residents, or members, was seeking donations of protective gear for workers and residents, but a representative said that because of these donations, lack of equipment had not “impacted care” for any residents. Shortages of the essential protective equipment have been rampant at health facilities around the country, increasing risks of spread.
At a briefing for reporters, Robert J. Syron, president of Peconic Landing, was asked whether all residents and workers were being tested for the virus.	At a briefing for reporters, Robert J. Syron, president of Peconic Landing, was asked whether all residents and workers were being tested for the virus.
“We don’t have the ability,” he said, according to the local news site Patch. “We wish we could. There just aren’t enough tests. I have no control over it. If I could write a check to have every person tested, I would have written it.”	“We don’t have the ability,” he said, according to the local news site Patch. “We wish we could. There just aren’t enough tests. I have no control over it. If I could write a check to have every person tested, I would have written it.”
Peconic Landing has a five-star rating from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The facility, where initial costs start at $247,000, plus monthly fees, occupies 144 acres by Long Island Sound, and ranges from independent-living cottages to skilled nursing and a memory care unit for people with dementia.	Peconic Landing has a five-star rating from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The facility, where initial costs start at $247,000, plus monthly fees, occupies 144 acres by Long Island Sound, and ranges from independent-living cottages to skilled nursing and a memory care unit for people with dementia.
“Once it hit Long Island, we knew it would be here,” Mr. Syron told The Suffolk Times. “So we prepared well in advance. But we did not expect it would hit us like it did.”	“Once it hit Long Island, we knew it would be here,” Mr. Syron told The Suffolk Times. “So we prepared well in advance. But we did not expect it would hit us like it did.”
After the first diagnosis on March 10, the facility management identified people who had worked near the sick employee and sent them home. A day later it encouraged visitors to stay away.	After the first diagnosis on March 10, the facility management identified people who had worked near the sick employee and sent them home. A day later it encouraged visitors to stay away.
~~Updated June ~~22,~~ 2020~~	Updated June 24, 2020
	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.
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.
But the virus was already starting to spread. People who are infected with Covid-19 can transmit it even before they develop symptoms or know they have the disease. Mr. Bellone said it was likely that the virus was present in the area long before testing began, “some weeks, at least.”	But the virus was already starting to spread. People who are infected with Covid-19 can transmit it even before they develop symptoms or know they have the disease. Mr. Bellone said it was likely that the virus was present in the area long before testing began, “some weeks, at least.”
In a statement, he added, “We have seen evidence that there are likely hundreds, if not thousands, of residents who have already contracted the virus, self-resolved and are back to full health without even knowing it.” During that time, though, they could have passed the disease to others.	In a statement, he added, “We have seen evidence that there are likely hundreds, if not thousands, of residents who have already contracted the virus, self-resolved and are back to full health without even knowing it.” During that time, though, they could have passed the disease to others.
On March 12, two more employees tested positive. By March 17, the virus had spread to the residents, though all were described as being in stable condition. The next day came the first death, a 96-year-old woman in the skilled nursing unit, then three more in the following three days, bringing the total to four, with 13 more testing positive.	On March 12, two more employees tested positive. By March 17, the virus had spread to the residents, though all were described as being in stable condition. The next day came the first death, a 96-year-old woman in the skilled nursing unit, then three more in the following three days, bringing the total to four, with 13 more testing positive.
The fifth death was a retired Latin teacher named Robert Greenberger, 88, whose son, Jeff, named him in an obituary submitted to The Suffolk Times, writing that he and his wife had last visited about a month ago, and that both were healthy. “We are staying tucked at home, as we hope all of you are able to do, too!” they wrote. The sixth death, an 88-year-old man, came on Tuesday, the 24th.	The fifth death was a retired Latin teacher named Robert Greenberger, 88, whose son, Jeff, named him in an obituary submitted to The Suffolk Times, writing that he and his wife had last visited about a month ago, and that both were healthy. “We are staying tucked at home, as we hope all of you are able to do, too!” they wrote. The sixth death, an 88-year-old man, came on Tuesday, the 24th.
At least 12 residents and 13 employees are confirmed to have the virus.	At least 12 residents and 13 employees are confirmed to have the virus.
The deaths have shaken the cozy town of Greenport, a mixed community that includes high-end summer visitors and blue collar locals, said Dave Kapell, a former mayor of the town. Stores, other than the IGA supermarket, are largely closed, and the streets, always slow in March, are mostly empty.	The deaths have shaken the cozy town of Greenport, a mixed community that includes high-end summer visitors and blue collar locals, said Dave Kapell, a former mayor of the town. Stores, other than the IGA supermarket, are largely closed, and the streets, always slow in March, are mostly empty.