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Why Outdoor Farmers’ Markets Matter More Than Ever Why Outdoor Farmers’ Markets Matter More Than Ever
(about 2 hours later)
Tenzing Chime now has one job to do at the vegetable stand where he works, a measure of how much the coronavirus has changed the simplest rituals of neighborhood life.Tenzing Chime now has one job to do at the vegetable stand where he works, a measure of how much the coronavirus has changed the simplest rituals of neighborhood life.
He only touches the cash.He only touches the cash.
Like him, all his co-workers wear masks, plastic eye shields and gloves. One slides leafy greens into clear plastic bags. Customers point at the bagged vegetables from behind a rope, as if choosing diamonds from a jewelry case. Another worker puts their selections in plastic bins and slides them down the table toward the register, like handbags at an airport security check.Like him, all his co-workers wear masks, plastic eye shields and gloves. One slides leafy greens into clear plastic bags. Customers point at the bagged vegetables from behind a rope, as if choosing diamonds from a jewelry case. Another worker puts their selections in plastic bins and slides them down the table toward the register, like handbags at an airport security check.
The city’s 50 outdoor farmers’ markets have always been a precious commodity for New Yorkers, providing fresh produce for urbanites and supporting the quiet work of local farmers.The city’s 50 outdoor farmers’ markets have always been a precious commodity for New Yorkers, providing fresh produce for urbanites and supporting the quiet work of local farmers.
But now, during the coronavirus crisis, some shoppers said the greenmarkets were more important than ever. They said they felt safer shopping outdoors than inside grocery stores.But now, during the coronavirus crisis, some shoppers said the greenmarkets were more important than ever. They said they felt safer shopping outdoors than inside grocery stores.
“I’m not going into the supermarket, around people,” said Sioux Nesi, 52, who was shopping at a market in Carroll Gardens in Brooklyn after running out of vegetables and finding that delivery services were backed up for days.“I’m not going into the supermarket, around people,” said Sioux Nesi, 52, who was shopping at a market in Carroll Gardens in Brooklyn after running out of vegetables and finding that delivery services were backed up for days.
But the festival-like atmosphere of outdoor markets, which traditionally have throngs of people browsing, chatting and tasting free samples, had recently become a risk: In several locations they were drawing crowds too packed for the social distance that public health now requires.But the festival-like atmosphere of outdoor markets, which traditionally have throngs of people browsing, chatting and tasting free samples, had recently become a risk: In several locations they were drawing crowds too packed for the social distance that public health now requires.
So the markets are transforming into laboratories for new communal safety habits, a shift from the community building they were originally designed to do.So the markets are transforming into laboratories for new communal safety habits, a shift from the community building they were originally designed to do.
Last week, GrowNYC, the organization that operates the markets, issued a set of stricter guidelines to prevent the crowding that alarmed officials at Union Square and other large markets earlier this month.Last week, GrowNYC, the organization that operates the markets, issued a set of stricter guidelines to prevent the crowding that alarmed officials at Union Square and other large markets earlier this month.
On Saturday, market staff twice used movable barriers to close the entrance to the Union Square market, which in the high season can attract tens of thousands of shoppers. As shoppers dispersed, new customers were gradually allowed in.On Saturday, market staff twice used movable barriers to close the entrance to the Union Square market, which in the high season can attract tens of thousands of shoppers. As shoppers dispersed, new customers were gradually allowed in.
Among the other rules: Shoppers cannot touch the produce and must stay six feet from one another. Tables must have plastic coverings. Workers must wear protective gear.Among the other rules: Shoppers cannot touch the produce and must stay six feet from one another. Tables must have plastic coverings. Workers must wear protective gear.
“Going to the market felt like a social thing to do, before this outbreak, but right now we are an essential business, keeping the city fed as safely as possible,” said Marcel Van Ooyen, the president and chief executive officer of GrowNYC, who helped patrol a market in Brooklyn on Sunday.“Going to the market felt like a social thing to do, before this outbreak, but right now we are an essential business, keeping the city fed as safely as possible,” said Marcel Van Ooyen, the president and chief executive officer of GrowNYC, who helped patrol a market in Brooklyn on Sunday.
“Families do still come together, and they’ll talk to other families from six feet away,” he added. “So there is still that communication, but from a safe distance.”“Families do still come together, and they’ll talk to other families from six feet away,” he added. “So there is still that communication, but from a safe distance.”
Visits to three markets over the weekend found some of the most rigorously distanced public spaces in the city — and evidence of New Yorkers’ ability to adapt to almost anything. GrowNYC employees kept an eye on vendors, who appeared to be following the rules.Visits to three markets over the weekend found some of the most rigorously distanced public spaces in the city — and evidence of New Yorkers’ ability to adapt to almost anything. GrowNYC employees kept an eye on vendors, who appeared to be following the rules.
Shoppers policed themselves — and each other.Shoppers policed themselves — and each other.
“Please step away from me,” one older woman urged a group of fellow shoppers at Grand Army Plaza, near Prospect Park in Brooklyn. “I’m in the age group that is most at risk.”“Please step away from me,” one older woman urged a group of fellow shoppers at Grand Army Plaza, near Prospect Park in Brooklyn. “I’m in the age group that is most at risk.”
“Distance, please!” boomed a masked customer at a market in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, extending a raised palm like a stop sign.“Distance, please!” boomed a masked customer at a market in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, extending a raised palm like a stop sign.
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.
Ms. Nesi, with a yellow bandanna over her face, considered Walnut Hill Farms’ artisanal sausages — soppressata, fennel, juniper and a new variety with pork liver, citrus and clove. She took three from John Burton, 35, who said customers had already learned the rules, and he no longer needs to rope off his wares.Ms. Nesi, with a yellow bandanna over her face, considered Walnut Hill Farms’ artisanal sausages — soppressata, fennel, juniper and a new variety with pork liver, citrus and clove. She took three from John Burton, 35, who said customers had already learned the rules, and he no longer needs to rope off his wares.
“People seem to have internalized the distancing,” he said.“People seem to have internalized the distancing,” he said.
Mr. Burton had counted $600 in revenues by noon.Mr. Burton had counted $600 in revenues by noon.
“Not bad for a rainy day in March,” he said.“Not bad for a rainy day in March,” he said.
Mr. Chime, 30, the vegetable vendor, said the new situation was tougher on produce sellers.Mr. Chime, 30, the vegetable vendor, said the new situation was tougher on produce sellers.
“With vegetables and herbs, you need to smell them and touch them,” he said.“With vegetables and herbs, you need to smell them and touch them,” he said.
But customers appeared willing to take a chance, buying delicate lettuces and bright radishes as well as more adventurous fare: chrysanthemum greens, fresh turmeric and Jerusalem artichokes.But customers appeared willing to take a chance, buying delicate lettuces and bright radishes as well as more adventurous fare: chrysanthemum greens, fresh turmeric and Jerusalem artichokes.
Mr. Chime said all the protective equipment was provided by his employers at Lani’s Farm in Bordentown, N.J.Mr. Chime said all the protective equipment was provided by his employers at Lani’s Farm in Bordentown, N.J.
“Good boss,” he said.“Good boss,” he said.
About half the usual 10 vendors sat the week out as they reorganized to get the staff and equipment needed to comply with the new GrowNYC rules, said Caroline Hiteshew, a regional coordinator who was at the Carroll Gardens market.About half the usual 10 vendors sat the week out as they reorganized to get the staff and equipment needed to comply with the new GrowNYC rules, said Caroline Hiteshew, a regional coordinator who was at the Carroll Gardens market.
GrowNYC can also help provide safety equipment, Mr. Van Ooyen said. And while some greenmarket stands cater to the wealthy — with $5 baggies of herbs and $15 sausages — the organization also provides food boxes for lower-income communities, where it also operates its own stands.GrowNYC can also help provide safety equipment, Mr. Van Ooyen said. And while some greenmarket stands cater to the wealthy — with $5 baggies of herbs and $15 sausages — the organization also provides food boxes for lower-income communities, where it also operates its own stands.
A few markets have been closed for now, mainly ones in Lower Manhattan business districts. Others have been relocated or changed their hours. Food-scrap drop-off has been suspended.A few markets have been closed for now, mainly ones in Lower Manhattan business districts. Others have been relocated or changed their hours. Food-scrap drop-off has been suspended.
The biggest challenge, Ms. Hiteshew said, is “redesigning the markets so that it’s easy and intuitive for people to stay six feet apart.”The biggest challenge, Ms. Hiteshew said, is “redesigning the markets so that it’s easy and intuitive for people to stay six feet apart.”
In Carroll Gardens, that meant getting permission from the community board and police to allow the market to place tents in the street and close it if needed; otherwise there would be just five feet of space in places for people to pass between tables and houses.In Carroll Gardens, that meant getting permission from the community board and police to allow the market to place tents in the street and close it if needed; otherwise there would be just five feet of space in places for people to pass between tables and houses.
“We’re essential for both farmers and residents,” she said. “It’s rewarding to still be able to feed people.”“We’re essential for both farmers and residents,” she said. “It’s rewarding to still be able to feed people.”
James Sprankle contributed reporting.James Sprankle contributed reporting.