'Cooped-Up Children Lose Refuge as N.Y.C. Playgrounds Are Closed' diff viewer (11/12)

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Cooped-Up Children Lose Refuge as N.Y.C. Playgrounds Are Closed	Cooped-Up Children Lose Refuge as N.Y.C. Playgrounds Are Closed
2020-06-16 12:44:30 UTC	2020-06-16 13:54:44 UTC (about 1 hour later)
All New York City’s playgrounds were ordered shut on Wednesday to slow the spread of the coronavirus — a move that led to scenes of crying children shaking locked gates, even as other parkgoers called the measure long overdue.	All New York City’s playgrounds were ordered shut on Wednesday to slow the spread of the coronavirus — a move that led to scenes of crying children shaking locked gates, even as other parkgoers called the measure long overdue.
The announcement by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo followed calls from public-health experts and many City Council members to shut all playgrounds. But it added a new challenge for families weathering a lockdown that has closed schools.	The announcement by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo followed calls from public-health experts and many City Council members to shut all playgrounds. But it added a new challenge for families weathering a lockdown that has closed schools.
“It’s like a nightmare — school’s closed, the parks are closed,” Sandy Friedman, 43, said. He had just arrived at Middletown Playground in South Williamsburg with two of his seven children only to find it padlocked; he had hoped they would play outdoors for the first time in 10 days.	“It’s like a nightmare — school’s closed, the parks are closed,” Sandy Friedman, 43, said. He had just arrived at Middletown Playground in South Williamsburg with two of his seven children only to find it padlocked; he had hoped they would play outdoors for the first time in 10 days.
Mr. Cuomo said he had to act because despite multiple public warnings, too many people continued to crowd playgrounds and jostle on basketball courts instead of staying six feet apart, as experts recommend to cut down on virus transmission.	Mr. Cuomo said he had to act because despite multiple public warnings, too many people continued to crowd playgrounds and jostle on basketball courts instead of staying six feet apart, as experts recommend to cut down on virus transmission.
“I warned people that if they didn’t stop the density and the games in the playgrounds — you can’t play basketball, you can’t come in contact with each other — we would close the playgrounds,” he said.	“I warned people that if they didn’t stop the density and the games in the playgrounds — you can’t play basketball, you can’t come in contact with each other — we would close the playgrounds,” he said.
The day before the governor’s announcement, Mayor Bill de Blasio had ordered a handful of playgrounds closed.	The day before the governor’s announcement, Mayor Bill de Blasio had ordered a handful of playgrounds closed.
The governor emphasized that city parks remained open even if playgrounds within them were closed. (Some basketball courts remain open; only those within locked playground fences are off limits.) Mr. Cuomo encouraged residents to “get some sun” as long as they kept six feet away from anyone other than their own household members.	The governor emphasized that city parks remained open even if playgrounds within them were closed. (Some basketball courts remain open; only those within locked playground fences are off limits.) Mr. Cuomo encouraged residents to “get some sun” as long as they kept six feet away from anyone other than their own household members.
Still, that is easier said than done for many New Yorkers. Some parks — large, popular ones like Prospect and Central Parks, as well as smaller ones in dense neighborhoods — have been so busy, especially on sunny days, that it can feel difficult to stay safely away from others.	Still, that is easier said than done for many New Yorkers. Some parks — large, popular ones like Prospect and Central Parks, as well as smaller ones in dense neighborhoods — have been so busy, especially on sunny days, that it can feel difficult to stay safely away from others.
There are many large open spaces in the city where there is enough space to keep one’s distance: the Rockaway beaches, Coney Island, the Red Hook waterfront, swathes of Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx and parts of Alley Pond Park in Queens.	There are many large open spaces in the city where there is enough space to keep one’s distance: the Rockaway beaches, Coney Island, the Red Hook waterfront, swathes of Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx and parts of Alley Pond Park in Queens.
But most New Yorkers do not own cars, and many can only access those open spaces by bus or subway, which the city has urged residents not to use except to reach essential jobs or in emergencies.	But most New Yorkers do not own cars, and many can only access those open spaces by bus or subway, which the city has urged residents not to use except to reach essential jobs or in emergencies.
The effect of the order on Wednesday was felt immediately as parks workers began chaining up playground gates and shooing children off swings.	The effect of the order on Wednesday was felt immediately as parks workers began chaining up playground gates and shooing children off swings.
Middletown Playground, where Mr. Friedman and his children were faced with a locked gate, is a stand-alone playground with no adjacent park space. So he was left to suggest that his seven children could play inside, making believe they were outdoors.	Middletown Playground, where Mr. Friedman and his children were faced with a locked gate, is a stand-alone playground with no adjacent park space. So he was left to suggest that his seven children could play inside, making believe they were outdoors.
As he spoke, other children from the neighborhood gripped the playground’s chain-link fence, as if trying to pull themselves through it. (One woman and three young children were in the playground, somehow having gained entry.)	As he spoke, other children from the neighborhood gripped the playground’s chain-link fence, as if trying to pull themselves through it. (One woman and three young children were in the playground, somehow having gained entry.)
Some parents said that toddlers or children with special needs have a particular need for playgrounds; others said that with playgrounds closing, open park spaces would become even more dangerously crowded.	Some parents said that toddlers or children with special needs have a particular need for playgrounds; others said that with playgrounds closing, open park spaces would become even more dangerously crowded.
Sammy Frisz was pushing his 1-year-old son at Mauro Park in Queens on Tuesday, when a parks worker enforcing Mr. de Blasio’s initial order asked them to leave.	Sammy Frisz was pushing his 1-year-old son at Mauro Park in Queens on Tuesday, when a parks worker enforcing Mr. de Blasio’s initial order asked them to leave.
“Where else they can play?” Mr. Frisz asked, his palms held in the air.	“Where else they can play?” Mr. Frisz asked, his palms held in the air.
Mr. Frisz, a city clerical worker, and his wife, a paralegal working from home, said that without a playground where their son could expend his abundant energy, his mother might not be able to keep her job.	Mr. Frisz, a city clerical worker, and his wife, a paralegal working from home, said that without a playground where their son could expend his abundant energy, his mother might not be able to keep her job.
But Mr. Frisz also said the family was three days into a 14-day quarantine after being exposed to a family friend who died from Covid-19. So their presence in the park — and contact with the playground equipment — was just the type of public health risk the new order was seeking to mitigate.	But Mr. Frisz also said the family was three days into a 14-day quarantine after being exposed to a family friend who died from Covid-19. So their presence in the park — and contact with the playground equipment — was just the type of public health risk the new order was seeking to mitigate.
Some inconsistency was on display nearby: While there were just two fathers pushing children on swings in the 200-foot-long playground as it was shut, just outside it there were eight men working out on stationary bars in an area about a quarter that size. They were allowed to remain there.	Some inconsistency was on display nearby: While there were just two fathers pushing children on swings in the 200-foot-long playground as it was shut, just outside it there were eight men working out on stationary bars in an area about a quarter that size. They were allowed to remain there.
There was also some initial confusion about what constituted a playground. Residents reported Wednesday afternoon that all of Maria Hernandez Park, one of few green spaces in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn, was being cordoned off, but it was later reopened.	There was also some initial confusion about what constituted a playground. Residents reported Wednesday afternoon that all of Maria Hernandez Park, one of few green spaces in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn, was being cordoned off, but it was later reopened.
Jane Meyer, a spokeswoman for the mayor, said later on Wednesday that “if comfort stations/basketball courts/other amenities are within a fence that will be locked because playground is within it, those amenities will be closed to the public as well.”	Jane Meyer, a spokeswoman for the mayor, said later on Wednesday that “if comfort stations/basketball courts/other amenities are within a fence that will be locked because playground is within it, those amenities will be closed to the public as well.”
On Twitter, Mark Levine, a City Council member, called the decision to close all the playgrounds “a difficult — but necessary — move,” and added that the next step was to close or partially close more streets to allow more room for walking and running.	On Twitter, Mark Levine, a City Council member, called the decision to close all the playgrounds “a difficult — but necessary — move,” and added that the next step was to close or partially close more streets to allow more room for walking and running.
Updated June 12, 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.
	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.
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.
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.
Open-space and safe-streets advocates have criticized Mr. de Blasio for banning cars from only a few blocks of streets in each borough for pedestrian activities.	Open-space and safe-streets advocates have criticized Mr. de Blasio for banning cars from only a few blocks of streets in each borough for pedestrian activities.