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‘It’s a Time Bomb’: 23 Die as Virus Hits Packed Homeless Shelters ‘It’s a Time Bomb’: 23 Die as Virus Hits Packed Homeless Shelters
(32 minutes later)
Roy Coleman, a 69-year-old living in a homeless shelter on Wards Island, was taken away by ambulance after showing symptoms of Covid-19. The other shelter residents were relieved — until Mr. Coleman was allowed to return last week after testing positive at Harlem Hospital.Roy Coleman, a 69-year-old living in a homeless shelter on Wards Island, was taken away by ambulance after showing symptoms of Covid-19. The other shelter residents were relieved — until Mr. Coleman was allowed to return last week after testing positive at Harlem Hospital.
At another shelter, Alphonso Syville, 45, said that as much as he tried, he could not block out the incessant coughing that he heard from a man a few feet away.At another shelter, Alphonso Syville, 45, said that as much as he tried, he could not block out the incessant coughing that he heard from a man a few feet away.
At Delta Manor, a shelter in the Bronx, Christian Cascone recalled how a roommate confronted another resident who had poor hygiene and would not wash his hands. The resident “said something like, ‘Well, if God chooses for me to die, I’ll die,’” said Mr. Cascone, 37.At Delta Manor, a shelter in the Bronx, Christian Cascone recalled how a roommate confronted another resident who had poor hygiene and would not wash his hands. The resident “said something like, ‘Well, if God chooses for me to die, I’ll die,’” said Mr. Cascone, 37.
“My roommate said, ‘Well, the good Lord also wants the rest of us to be healthy, too,’” he said.“My roommate said, ‘Well, the good Lord also wants the rest of us to be healthy, too,’” he said.
While much of New York City is staying inside, a crisis has taken hold among a population for whom social distancing is nearly impossible: the more than 17,000 men and women, many of them already in poor health, who sleep in roughly 100 group or “congregate” shelters for single adults. Most live in dormitories that are fertile fields for the virus, with beds close enough for people sleeping in them to hold hands.While much of New York City is staying inside, a crisis has taken hold among a population for whom social distancing is nearly impossible: the more than 17,000 men and women, many of them already in poor health, who sleep in roughly 100 group or “congregate” shelters for single adults. Most live in dormitories that are fertile fields for the virus, with beds close enough for people sleeping in them to hold hands.
And rather than keeping people away from shelters, the virus has driven them in.And rather than keeping people away from shelters, the virus has driven them in.
Some inmates released from Rikers Island to control the outbreak in the jail have wound up in shelters. And with the outdoor safety net falling apart — few pedestrians to beg for change; public bathrooms shut; many soup kitchens closed for lack of food and volunteers — the nightly shelter population has consistently reached levels seen only a few times in the last decade, and usually only on the most frigid nights of winter.Some inmates released from Rikers Island to control the outbreak in the jail have wound up in shelters. And with the outdoor safety net falling apart — few pedestrians to beg for change; public bathrooms shut; many soup kitchens closed for lack of food and volunteers — the nightly shelter population has consistently reached levels seen only a few times in the last decade, and usually only on the most frigid nights of winter.
“When all of those systems simultaneously break down, you’re going to get this influx into congregate situations,” said Joshua Goldfein, a staff attorney at the Legal Aid Society. “It’s a time bomb.”“When all of those systems simultaneously break down, you’re going to get this influx into congregate situations,” said Joshua Goldfein, a staff attorney at the Legal Aid Society. “It’s a time bomb.”
Officially as of Sunday, 23 shelter residents have died in hospitals, among them 14 men and two women from assessment centers and shelters for single adults where multiple, unrelated people share rooms, according to the Department of Homeless Services.Officially as of Sunday, 23 shelter residents have died in hospitals, among them 14 men and two women from assessment centers and shelters for single adults where multiple, unrelated people share rooms, according to the Department of Homeless Services.
And 371 people from shelters had tested positive for the virus, about 80 percent of them from the single-adult facilities, though those adults represent less than a quarter of the homeless population. The rest are mostly families who often stay in studio-like units by themselves.And 371 people from shelters had tested positive for the virus, about 80 percent of them from the single-adult facilities, though those adults represent less than a quarter of the homeless population. The rest are mostly families who often stay in studio-like units by themselves.
While total prevention is impossible, the city has been scrambling to at least lower the risk.While total prevention is impossible, the city has been scrambling to at least lower the risk.
Paying an average cost of at least $174 a night, it has been renting hotel rooms, empty for lack of tourists, to isolate shelter residents who have symptoms or tested positive as well those potentially exposed. On Saturday, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that 2,500 more shelter residents would be moved to hotels by the end of April, in addition to 3,500 who were already sharing rooms in hotels before the virus hit because there was no room in traditional shelters.Paying an average cost of at least $174 a night, it has been renting hotel rooms, empty for lack of tourists, to isolate shelter residents who have symptoms or tested positive as well those potentially exposed. On Saturday, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that 2,500 more shelter residents would be moved to hotels by the end of April, in addition to 3,500 who were already sharing rooms in hotels before the virus hit because there was no room in traditional shelters.
Residents who are at least 70 years old, and some residents in the 10 most densely packed shelters, are also being moved to hotels, whether they have symptoms or not. Some homeless families previously staying in hotels are being moved to make room for those residents.Residents who are at least 70 years old, and some residents in the 10 most densely packed shelters, are also being moved to hotels, whether they have symptoms or not. Some homeless families previously staying in hotels are being moved to make room for those residents.
Steven Banks, the commissioner of social services, said the city also has purchased 24 hand-washing stations and 36 portable toilets to be installed in 12 street locations, for those homeless people who refuse to go to shelters.Steven Banks, the commissioner of social services, said the city also has purchased 24 hand-washing stations and 36 portable toilets to be installed in 12 street locations, for those homeless people who refuse to go to shelters.
Shelters are staggering meal times, and temporarily dropping rules that require residents to leave dorms during cleaning, to reduce the chance the residents will go out and then return after having been exposed.Shelters are staggering meal times, and temporarily dropping rules that require residents to leave dorms during cleaning, to reduce the chance the residents will go out and then return after having been exposed.
Simply closing the shelters to stop the spread, as if they were dining halls or Broadway theaters, is not an option.Simply closing the shelters to stop the spread, as if they were dining halls or Broadway theaters, is not an option.
“We’re still open and offering services,” Mr. Banks said. “Others have shut their doors.”“We’re still open and offering services,” Mr. Banks said. “Others have shut their doors.”
The number of New York shelter infections does not capture the scope of the peril; they reflect mainly people who had been so ill that they had to be taken to city hospitals to be tested and treated. The figures do not include people staying in shelters run by charities or other public agencies.The number of New York shelter infections does not capture the scope of the peril; they reflect mainly people who had been so ill that they had to be taken to city hospitals to be tested and treated. The figures do not include people staying in shelters run by charities or other public agencies.
Other cities with significant homeless populations have begun to see similar problems. San Francisco tested everyone inside its largest shelter last week, and so far 81 residents and 10 workers have been confirmed as infected. The city has lifted its ban on tent encampments as long as the tents are at least six feet apart.Other cities with significant homeless populations have begun to see similar problems. San Francisco tested everyone inside its largest shelter last week, and so far 81 residents and 10 workers have been confirmed as infected. The city has lifted its ban on tent encampments as long as the tents are at least six feet apart.
Even before the pandemic hit, homelessness was an intractable problem for Mayor Bill de Blasio. He took office in 2014 vowing to reduce the number of homeless, but it has only grown, to an estimated 79,000 people, in part because of rising rents beyond the reach of low-income families.Even before the pandemic hit, homelessness was an intractable problem for Mayor Bill de Blasio. He took office in 2014 vowing to reduce the number of homeless, but it has only grown, to an estimated 79,000 people, in part because of rising rents beyond the reach of low-income families.
Since 2014, the budget for homeless services has doubled to about $3.2 billion, according to the city comptroller’s office.Since 2014, the budget for homeless services has doubled to about $3.2 billion, according to the city comptroller’s office.
The shelter system is a patchwork of 450 buildings, including studios for families with children, hotel rooms with double beds, privately owned but decrepit apartments and cavernous spaces with rows of beds, like the mammoth Bedford-Atlantic Armory shelter in Brooklyn.The shelter system is a patchwork of 450 buildings, including studios for families with children, hotel rooms with double beds, privately owned but decrepit apartments and cavernous spaces with rows of beds, like the mammoth Bedford-Atlantic Armory shelter in Brooklyn.
The decentralized nature of the system, and the transience of its clients, have made the application of new policies somewhat ragged.The decentralized nature of the system, and the transience of its clients, have made the application of new policies somewhat ragged.
Some residents in shelters and peace officers working in them say some of the preventive measures have not been put into practice or are being ignored by residents.Some residents in shelters and peace officers working in them say some of the preventive measures have not been put into practice or are being ignored by residents.
“If this is a worldwide epidemic, we should have a fair chance to protect ourselves,” said Roberto Mangual, 27, who stays at the Clarke Thomas shelter on Wards Island, where Mr. Coleman was allowed to return. “We don’t really have that chance in a men’s shelter, to be honest.”“If this is a worldwide epidemic, we should have a fair chance to protect ourselves,” said Roberto Mangual, 27, who stays at the Clarke Thomas shelter on Wards Island, where Mr. Coleman was allowed to return. “We don’t really have that chance in a men’s shelter, to be honest.”
Mr. Coleman said that after he spent a night back at Clarke Thomas, the staff gave him a MetroCard to travel to one of the quarantine hotels in Long Island City, Queens.Mr. Coleman said that after he spent a night back at Clarke Thomas, the staff gave him a MetroCard to travel to one of the quarantine hotels in Long Island City, Queens.
After an inquiry by The New York Times, the homeless services department sent a message to shelter providers reminding them that anyone returning from a hospital with symptoms of Covid-19 should be put in isolation and not placed on public transportation.After an inquiry by The New York Times, the homeless services department sent a message to shelter providers reminding them that anyone returning from a hospital with symptoms of Covid-19 should be put in isolation and not placed on public transportation.
In a phone interview from the hotel on Saturday, Mr. Coleman said he believed he had contracted the virus at the shelter. “I was around a lot of people coughing, throwing up, sneezing,” he said.In a phone interview from the hotel on Saturday, Mr. Coleman said he believed he had contracted the virus at the shelter. “I was around a lot of people coughing, throwing up, sneezing,” he said.
He said that he was happy to now be in a room by himself, where he said he was getting round-the-clock medical attention. “If I need medication, I call them and they send up some aspirin,” he said. On Sunday he was moved to another hotel specifically for seniors.He said that he was happy to now be in a room by himself, where he said he was getting round-the-clock medical attention. “If I need medication, I call them and they send up some aspirin,” he said. On Sunday he was moved to another hotel specifically for seniors.
Stephen Mott, chief of staff for HELP USA, which operates Clarke Thomas, said the shelter has been under a great deal of strain but acknowledged that it needed to do better. “We’re up against something huge,” he said. “Things that we used to let slide we can’t let slide anymore.”
At the city-run Catherine Street Shelter in Lower Manhattan, where 100 women live, many residents are not taking precautions, like washing their hands and staying six feet apart, one woman who lives there said. They brush against each other when walking in a narrow stairwell.
The staff changed the configuration of the cafeteria so that there were only two chairs per table, but some residents simply moved chairs so they could sit together, said the woman, who did not want to be identified because she feared retaliation from staff in the shelter.
Derek Jackson, director of the law enforcement division in Teamsters Local 237, a city employee union, said about 550 peace officers work in the shelter system, and as of early last week, 26 had tested positive. Another 41 shelter workers also had tested positive as of last week, according to the city.
Updated June 22, 2020Updated June 22, 2020
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.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.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.
Stephen Mott, chief of staff for HELP USA, which operates Clarke Thomas, said the shelter has been under a great deal of strain but acknowledged that it needed to do better. “We’re up against something huge,” he said. “Things that we used to let slide we can’t let slide anymore.”
At the city-run Catherine Street Shelter in Lower Manhattan, where 100 women live, many residents are not taking precautions, like washing their hands and staying six feet apart, one woman who lives there said. They brush against each other when walking in a narrow stairwell.
The staff changed the configuration of the cafeteria so that there were only two chairs per table, but some residents simply moved chairs so they could sit together, said the woman, who did not want to be identified because she feared retaliation from staff in the shelter.
Derek Jackson, director of the law enforcement division in Teamsters Local 237, a city employee union, said about 550 peace officers work in the shelter system, and as of early last week, 26 had tested positive. Another 41 shelter workers also had tested positive as of last week, according to the city.
“We’re not sure they are being transparent with how many clients are sick with this disease,” Mr. Jackson said of the city homeless agency. “We don’t know who is putting us at risk at the shelters.”“We’re not sure they are being transparent with how many clients are sick with this disease,” Mr. Jackson said of the city homeless agency. “We don’t know who is putting us at risk at the shelters.”
Mr. Jackson said the city was slow to provide masks, gloves and other personal protection equipment to the officers.Mr. Jackson said the city was slow to provide masks, gloves and other personal protection equipment to the officers.
The homeless services agency has been dealing with the same supply shortages as everyone else, said Mr. Banks, the commissioner. Last week, after finding masks to purchase, the agency began distributing 100,000 masks to shelters for employees, including peace officers, and now has an additional shipment of 500,000 masks, along with sanitizer and gloves to give to peace officers. Mr. Banks also tapped into Robin Hood, the philanthropic foundation, to donate masks for shelter residents and people living on the street.The homeless services agency has been dealing with the same supply shortages as everyone else, said Mr. Banks, the commissioner. Last week, after finding masks to purchase, the agency began distributing 100,000 masks to shelters for employees, including peace officers, and now has an additional shipment of 500,000 masks, along with sanitizer and gloves to give to peace officers. Mr. Banks also tapped into Robin Hood, the philanthropic foundation, to donate masks for shelter residents and people living on the street.
But the inability of shelter residents to self-quarantine is still taking a toll. There is no staying at home when you do not have one.But the inability of shelter residents to self-quarantine is still taking a toll. There is no staying at home when you do not have one.
At Opportunity House, a charity-run shelter in Brooklyn, many residents are older and have serious health issues, including problems with vision, said David Gaynor, 60, who is staying there. “Some of the literature, you have to be an ant to read it,” he said.At Opportunity House, a charity-run shelter in Brooklyn, many residents are older and have serious health issues, including problems with vision, said David Gaynor, 60, who is staying there. “Some of the literature, you have to be an ant to read it,” he said.
Camba, which operates Opportunity House, said it is has been taking measures to keep residents safe. “We understand the anxiety that everyone is experiencing,” the nonprofit said in a statement.Camba, which operates Opportunity House, said it is has been taking measures to keep residents safe. “We understand the anxiety that everyone is experiencing,” the nonprofit said in a statement.
Mr. Gaynor, who was interviewed while wearing a green bandanna around his neck that he could pull over his mouth, recalled one resident who did not speak English well and had trouble explaining his symptoms.Mr. Gaynor, who was interviewed while wearing a green bandanna around his neck that he could pull over his mouth, recalled one resident who did not speak English well and had trouble explaining his symptoms.
The staff finally took action when they saw him bowled over and heard the man say the words he knew in English. “Am-bu-lance. Hos-pi-tal,” Mr. Gaynor said, enunciating each word.The staff finally took action when they saw him bowled over and heard the man say the words he knew in English. “Am-bu-lance. Hos-pi-tal,” Mr. Gaynor said, enunciating each word.
“Everybody understands sick,” he said.“Everybody understands sick,” he said.
William K. Rashbaum contributed reporting.William K. Rashbaum contributed reporting.