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Coronavirus in N.Y.C.: The Latest Coronavirus in N.Y.C.: The Latest
(3 days later)
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It’s Wednesday. The tower lights of the Empire State Building blared red with a whirling red-and-white beacon to pay respect to health care workers, police officers and firefighters. Some people found it unnerving.It’s Wednesday. The tower lights of the Empire State Building blared red with a whirling red-and-white beacon to pay respect to health care workers, police officers and firefighters. Some people found it unnerving.
Weather: Early clouds give way to some sun, with a high in the mid-50s.Weather: Early clouds give way to some sun, with a high in the mid-50s.
Alternate-side parking: Suspended through April 17. Meters are in effect.Alternate-side parking: Suspended through April 17. Meters are in effect.
More than 500 paramedics and emergency medical technicians, 2,000 nurses and 250 ambulances are heading to New York City from across the United States to shore up a health care system that is being buried under an avalanche of coronavirus patients, Mayor de Blasio said yesterday.More than 500 paramedics and emergency medical technicians, 2,000 nurses and 250 ambulances are heading to New York City from across the United States to shore up a health care system that is being buried under an avalanche of coronavirus patients, Mayor de Blasio said yesterday.
[Get the latest news and updates on the coronavirus in the New York region.][Get the latest news and updates on the coronavirus in the New York region.]
The mayor announced the reinforcements while speaking at the U.S.T.A. Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, Queens, which is being converted into an emergency hospital as the borough experiences a surge in coronavirus patients, especially at Elmhurst Hospital.The mayor announced the reinforcements while speaking at the U.S.T.A. Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, Queens, which is being converted into an emergency hospital as the borough experiences a surge in coronavirus patients, especially at Elmhurst Hospital.
“Very soon this is going to be 350 hospital beds to protect the lives of New Yorkers,” Mr. de Blasio said, noting that 135 additional ambulances and 270 paramedics had already arrived. “They’re going immediately into action.”“Very soon this is going to be 350 hospital beds to protect the lives of New Yorkers,” Mr. de Blasio said, noting that 135 additional ambulances and 270 paramedics had already arrived. “They’re going immediately into action.”
The city’s death toll was at 1,096 yesterday, with more than 43,000 virus cases confirmed.The city’s death toll was at 1,096 yesterday, with more than 43,000 virus cases confirmed.
Governor Cuomo said yesterday morning that 332 more people had died in New York since Monday, bringing the state’s death toll from the coronavirus to at least 1,550. The number of confirmed virus cases topped 75,000.Governor Cuomo said yesterday morning that 332 more people had died in New York since Monday, bringing the state’s death toll from the coronavirus to at least 1,550. The number of confirmed virus cases topped 75,000.
As he delivered the news, Mr. Cuomo’s younger brother, Chris Cuomo, 49, a CNN anchor, announced that he had tested positive for the virus. The governor later said his brother had a fever, shortness of breath and chills.As he delivered the news, Mr. Cuomo’s younger brother, Chris Cuomo, 49, a CNN anchor, announced that he had tested positive for the virus. The governor later said his brother had a fever, shortness of breath and chills.
The governor has appeared on his brother’s show regularly since the outbreak began, offering their sibling rivalry to viewers as a humorous diversion from the drumbeat of grim news.The governor has appeared on his brother’s show regularly since the outbreak began, offering their sibling rivalry to viewers as a humorous diversion from the drumbeat of grim news.
A group of workers walked off the job at an Amazon warehouse on Staten Island on Monday, and Whole Foods Market employees staged a sickout yesterday, as front-line workers protested what they see as inadequate safety measures and insufficient pay for the risks they confront.A group of workers walked off the job at an Amazon warehouse on Staten Island on Monday, and Whole Foods Market employees staged a sickout yesterday, as front-line workers protested what they see as inadequate safety measures and insufficient pay for the risks they confront.
Amazon fired a worker who led the Staten Island walkout. Mr. de Blasio said yesterday that the city’s Human Rights Commission would investigate the firing.Amazon fired a worker who led the Staten Island walkout. Mr. de Blasio said yesterday that the city’s Human Rights Commission would investigate the firing.
40% of N.Y. Tenants May Not Pay Rent This Month. What Happens Then?40% of N.Y. Tenants May Not Pay Rent This Month. What Happens Then?
He Said Mass Via Live Stream. Eight Days Later He Was Dead.He Said Mass Via Live Stream. Eight Days Later He Was Dead.
She’s Alone, 105 and in a Nursing Home Threatened by the VirusShe’s Alone, 105 and in a Nursing Home Threatened by the Virus
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.
Former State Senator Dean Skelos is seeking to end his federal prison sentence early because of fears over the coronavirus. [New York Post]Former State Senator Dean Skelos is seeking to end his federal prison sentence early because of fears over the coronavirus. [New York Post]
After delaying the start of online classes, the City University of New York is scrambling to distribute as many as 30,000 computers to students. [The City]After delaying the start of online classes, the City University of New York is scrambling to distribute as many as 30,000 computers to students. [The City]
An upstate baker is helping to pay her bills by making cakes decorated to look like a roll of toilet paper. [Albany Times Union]An upstate baker is helping to pay her bills by making cakes decorated to look like a roll of toilet paper. [Albany Times Union]
Whether you have a washer and dryer in your home or rely on a laundromat, there are several ways to reduce your risk of viral exposure or spread. The writer Sanam Yar recently interviewed experts about how to manage the task.Whether you have a washer and dryer in your home or rely on a laundromat, there are several ways to reduce your risk of viral exposure or spread. The writer Sanam Yar recently interviewed experts about how to manage the task.
Here’s some advice for the many New Yorkers who use communal laundry rooms and laundromats. Find the full Q. and A. here.Here’s some advice for the many New Yorkers who use communal laundry rooms and laundromats. Find the full Q. and A. here.
I have a communal laundry room in my building. What’s the best etiquette?I have a communal laundry room in my building. What’s the best etiquette?
Some buildings have started sending out instructions on how to navigate using the machines. If your building doesn’t have a system in place, Angelique Corthals, a biomedical researcher and professor of pathology at John Jay College, recommended establishing a laundry schedule among residents so that no more than two people (or one person, depending on the size of the room) are using the machines at a time and can maintain a six-foot distance between each other.Some buildings have started sending out instructions on how to navigate using the machines. If your building doesn’t have a system in place, Angelique Corthals, a biomedical researcher and professor of pathology at John Jay College, recommended establishing a laundry schedule among residents so that no more than two people (or one person, depending on the size of the room) are using the machines at a time and can maintain a six-foot distance between each other.
Sort your dirty laundry at home before heading to the laundry room, and fold clean laundry at home to minimize your contact with the laundry room’s surfaces.Sort your dirty laundry at home before heading to the laundry room, and fold clean laundry at home to minimize your contact with the laundry room’s surfaces.
Finally, be aware of what you and your clothing touch, and don’t bring your hand near your face until you’ve washed your hands after you’re done.Finally, be aware of what you and your clothing touch, and don’t bring your hand near your face until you’ve washed your hands after you’re done.
Updated June 5, 2020 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.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.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.
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.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.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.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.
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.
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.)
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.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.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’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.
Is it safe for me to go to a laundromat?Is it safe for me to go to a laundromat?
Yes. If you are healthy and have run out of clean clothing, it is OK to leave the house and do laundry. The same general rules apply: Wash your hands frequently, practice social distancing and don’t touch your face.Yes. If you are healthy and have run out of clean clothing, it is OK to leave the house and do laundry. The same general rules apply: Wash your hands frequently, practice social distancing and don’t touch your face.
What about dry cleaning? Or using wash-and-fold services?What about dry cleaning? Or using wash-and-fold services?
When it comes to wash-and-fold services, experts said it was up to the person.When it comes to wash-and-fold services, experts said it was up to the person.
“If you feel you don’t want to venture out because you need to self-quarantine, then I can understand a laundry service,” said Nellie Brown, the director of workplace health and safety programs at Cornell University. “But if you’re basically healthy and not experiencing any odd symptoms, go on doing what you’ve been doing.”“If you feel you don’t want to venture out because you need to self-quarantine, then I can understand a laundry service,” said Nellie Brown, the director of workplace health and safety programs at Cornell University. “But if you’re basically healthy and not experiencing any odd symptoms, go on doing what you’ve been doing.”
For people who are part of a more vulnerable population and want to minimize their outside contact, wash-and-fold may be the best option next to washing clothes the old-fashioned way: by hand.For people who are part of a more vulnerable population and want to minimize their outside contact, wash-and-fold may be the best option next to washing clothes the old-fashioned way: by hand.
It’s Wednesday — flatten the curve.It’s Wednesday — flatten the curve.
Dear Diary:Dear Diary:
I had a job in a building on Sixth Avenue and 51st Street. I didn’t like the job. Most evenings after leaving work, I would walk up Sixth Avenue until I reached Central Park, and then I would either catch the subway or continue walking home from there. It was my routine.I had a job in a building on Sixth Avenue and 51st Street. I didn’t like the job. Most evenings after leaving work, I would walk up Sixth Avenue until I reached Central Park, and then I would either catch the subway or continue walking home from there. It was my routine.
One Friday evening, I was in a particularly bad mood after leaving work. I had also miscalculated what the weather would be like. It was chilly, and I needed to put my coat on.One Friday evening, I was in a particularly bad mood after leaving work. I had also miscalculated what the weather would be like. It was chilly, and I needed to put my coat on.
I started to try to put it on while I was on the phone and holding my purse and a second bag. It wasn’t going well.I started to try to put it on while I was on the phone and holding my purse and a second bag. It wasn’t going well.
Suddenly, I felt my coat slipping over my arms. I turned and saw a woman standing behind me.Suddenly, I felt my coat slipping over my arms. I turned and saw a woman standing behind me.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I didn’t mean to intrude, but it looked like you were struggling.”“I’m sorry,” she said. “I didn’t mean to intrude, but it looked like you were struggling.”
“I was struggling,” I said. “Thank you.”“I was struggling,” I said. “Thank you.”
— Meredith Murphy— Meredith Murphy
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