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Now Arriving at La Guardia Airport: One Passenger Now Arriving at La Guardia Airport: One Passenger
(3 days later)
Jim Mack had made several trips to New York City before, but had never been the only passenger on a commercial jet landing at a deserted La Guardia Airport.Jim Mack had made several trips to New York City before, but had never been the only passenger on a commercial jet landing at a deserted La Guardia Airport.
Instead of shuffling into the madhouse that is Terminal B on a typical weeknight, Mr. Mack was greeted by an eerie silence. “It felt like it was either closed or I had landed in the wrong terminal,” he said.Instead of shuffling into the madhouse that is Terminal B on a typical weeknight, Mr. Mack was greeted by an eerie silence. “It felt like it was either closed or I had landed in the wrong terminal,” he said.
He had flown from Tampa, Fla. — just him and a Southwest Airlines crew — and now he was striding up the concourse toward baggage claim. The only luggage on the carousel was his. The lone Uber driver was waiting for him.He had flown from Tampa, Fla. — just him and a Southwest Airlines crew — and now he was striding up the concourse toward baggage claim. The only luggage on the carousel was his. The lone Uber driver was waiting for him.
The coronavirus pandemic has unraveled air travel in the United States and turned some of the world’s busiest airports into giant voids.The coronavirus pandemic has unraveled air travel in the United States and turned some of the world’s busiest airports into giant voids.
The nation’s air-traffic system is still functioning. But airlines have slashed their schedules, and even on the dwindling number of remaining flights very few seats are filled.The nation’s air-traffic system is still functioning. But airlines have slashed their schedules, and even on the dwindling number of remaining flights very few seats are filled.
The Transportation Security Administration screened just 87,534 travelers across the country on Tuesday, the smallest number ever. That was down from 2.21 million on the same day a year before, an extraordinary drop of more than 95 percent.The Transportation Security Administration screened just 87,534 travelers across the country on Tuesday, the smallest number ever. That was down from 2.21 million on the same day a year before, an extraordinary drop of more than 95 percent.
Mr. Mack, a frequent flier who was in New York to coordinate the placement of additional nurses at overburdened hospitals, said Tampa International Airport had also been shockingly quiet.Mr. Mack, a frequent flier who was in New York to coordinate the placement of additional nurses at overburdened hospitals, said Tampa International Airport had also been shockingly quiet.
Across the country, at many major airports from Boston to Los Angeles to Chicago, the scene is much the same: vast terminals devoid of the usual line, shops shuttered and scant sightings of passengers.Across the country, at many major airports from Boston to Los Angeles to Chicago, the scene is much the same: vast terminals devoid of the usual line, shops shuttered and scant sightings of passengers.
Leisure travel and virtually all business trips have ceased. The usual cacophony of flight announcements has been largely silenced.Leisure travel and virtually all business trips have ceased. The usual cacophony of flight announcements has been largely silenced.
At John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, Calif., the sound of a jet pilot playing a piano echoed through a desolate concourse.At John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, Calif., the sound of a jet pilot playing a piano echoed through a desolate concourse.
In the New York metropolitan area, all three major airports — La Guardia, Kennedy International and Newark Liberty International — are open, but just barely.In the New York metropolitan area, all three major airports — La Guardia, Kennedy International and Newark Liberty International — are open, but just barely.
They are handling only about 5 percent of normal passenger traffic, said Rick Cotton, the executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the airports.They are handling only about 5 percent of normal passenger traffic, said Rick Cotton, the executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the airports.
At La Guardia, Delta Air Lines, its dominant carrier, has cut back to just 15 flights a day, down from about 150 before the pandemic. United Airlines did likewise at Newark Liberty, one of its hubs, keeping just 15 of about 140 daily flights.At La Guardia, Delta Air Lines, its dominant carrier, has cut back to just 15 flights a day, down from about 150 before the pandemic. United Airlines did likewise at Newark Liberty, one of its hubs, keeping just 15 of about 140 daily flights.
JetBlue Airways said last week that it would suspend operations at eight airports, including La Guardia, on the East and West Coasts.JetBlue Airways said last week that it would suspend operations at eight airports, including La Guardia, on the East and West Coasts.
Most of the thousands of people employed at the New York airports have been laid off, many without severance or health insurance.Most of the thousands of people employed at the New York airports have been laid off, many without severance or health insurance.
Mr. Cotton said the Port Authority had pressed the companies that employ the bulk of them — airlines, contractors and concessionaires — to consider them furloughed and to plan to bring them back when they are needed.Mr. Cotton said the Port Authority had pressed the companies that employ the bulk of them — airlines, contractors and concessionaires — to consider them furloughed and to plan to bring them back when they are needed.
The agency has allowed operators of stores and restaurants in the airports to temporarily forgo paying part of their rents, he said.The agency has allowed operators of stores and restaurants in the airports to temporarily forgo paying part of their rents, he said.
Mr. Cotton, who tested positive for the coronavirus last month and is out of quarantine, also said he found it “really stunning” to see three of the country’s busiest airports so empty and quiet.Mr. Cotton, who tested positive for the coronavirus last month and is out of quarantine, also said he found it “really stunning” to see three of the country’s busiest airports so empty and quiet.
“I don’t think anyone has seen anything like this,” Mr. Cotton said on Tuesday after touring Terminal 4 at Kennedy. “These facilities were built for more than 20 times the number of passengers we’re getting.”“I don’t think anyone has seen anything like this,” Mr. Cotton said on Tuesday after touring Terminal 4 at Kennedy. “These facilities were built for more than 20 times the number of passengers we’re getting.”
But he said the agency intended to operate them indefinitely as a public service so that essential workers could travel.But he said the agency intended to operate them indefinitely as a public service so that essential workers could travel.
The Port Authority worked with airlines to pare back their presence so that some sections, including Terminals 2 and 7 at Kennedy, could be closed off, Mr. Cotton said.The Port Authority worked with airlines to pare back their presence so that some sections, including Terminals 2 and 7 at Kennedy, could be closed off, Mr. Cotton said.
At La Guardia, Delta has shifted operations from Terminal D, which will be replaced by a new terminal that is under construction, to the adjacent terminals. At Newark Liberty, United has consolidated almost all of its operations in Terminal C.At La Guardia, Delta has shifted operations from Terminal D, which will be replaced by a new terminal that is under construction, to the adjacent terminals. At Newark Liberty, United has consolidated almost all of its operations in Terminal C.
Nearly all of the hundreds of stores at the three airports are closed, but a few restaurants are selling food on a “grab and go” basis, Mr. Cotton said.Nearly all of the hundreds of stores at the three airports are closed, but a few restaurants are selling food on a “grab and go” basis, Mr. Cotton said.
Customers can eat the food on planes or at their gates. “Social distancing is not a problem” at the airports these days, Mr. Cotton said.Customers can eat the food on planes or at their gates. “Social distancing is not a problem” at the airports these days, Mr. Cotton said.
One of the shops that has held on in Terminal 4 at Kennedy is Chocolate & More, a sweets shop that has added hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to its usual wares.One of the shops that has held on in Terminal 4 at Kennedy is Chocolate & More, a sweets shop that has added hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to its usual wares.
It is the only one of 17 shops operated by Paradies Lagardère, a Paris-based company, in the terminal that did not close, said Mark Fletcher, who manages the stores.It is the only one of 17 shops operated by Paradies Lagardère, a Paris-based company, in the terminal that did not close, said Mark Fletcher, who manages the stores.
“It’s definitely a different experience,” Mr. Fletcher said. “Terminal 4 is the busiest terminal at J.F.K. It’s typically a zoo over there.“It’s definitely a different experience,” Mr. Fletcher said. “Terminal 4 is the busiest terminal at J.F.K. It’s typically a zoo over there.
Updated June 5, 2020Updated June 5, 2020
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.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.
“Now there are just big gaps between the flights when you won’t see anybody,” he said. “We saw one today that maybe 30 people got off and that seemed like a lot.”“Now there are just big gaps between the flights when you won’t see anybody,” he said. “We saw one today that maybe 30 people got off and that seemed like a lot.”
Mr. Fletcher said his company has four shops open in the neighboring Terminal 5, including a CNBC News store that sells books and magazines.Mr. Fletcher said his company has four shops open in the neighboring Terminal 5, including a CNBC News store that sells books and magazines.
Business is “not near what we did” before the pandemic led to broad restrictions on travel, but, he said, “We’re doing enough to stay open.”Business is “not near what we did” before the pandemic led to broad restrictions on travel, but, he said, “We’re doing enough to stay open.”
The company had to lay off all but about 20 of about 200 employees, most of whom were members of the Unite Here union. He said that many of them were collecting unemployment benefits and waiting for word on when some of the shops might reopen.The company had to lay off all but about 20 of about 200 employees, most of whom were members of the Unite Here union. He said that many of them were collecting unemployment benefits and waiting for word on when some of the shops might reopen.
Jessica Micucci had just bought some food from the only place she could find open near her gate at John Wayne Airport — a McDonald’s — when she heard classical music filling the concourse. She spotted a man in a pilot’s uniform playing a small grand piano.Jessica Micucci had just bought some food from the only place she could find open near her gate at John Wayne Airport — a McDonald’s — when she heard classical music filling the concourse. She spotted a man in a pilot’s uniform playing a small grand piano.
Ms. Micucci, 42, said he told her that he never played in public, but his shyness faded in the seclusion. With his permission, she shot a short video on her phone.Ms. Micucci, 42, said he told her that he never played in public, but his shyness faded in the seclusion. With his permission, she shot a short video on her phone.
She was so moved by the moment that tears ran down her protective mask, she said.She was so moved by the moment that tears ran down her protective mask, she said.
Ms. Micucci, who was going to Florida with her two young children, was initially reluctant to post the video on Facebook for fear of being shamed for traveling during the pandemic. But she said the response there had been overwhelmingly positive.Ms. Micucci, who was going to Florida with her two young children, was initially reluctant to post the video on Facebook for fear of being shamed for traveling during the pandemic. But she said the response there had been overwhelmingly positive.
On her trip to her mother’s house near Orlando, she changed planes at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. She said she saw more fellow travelers there, but almost none with children.On her trip to her mother’s house near Orlando, she changed planes at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. She said she saw more fellow travelers there, but almost none with children.
Orlando International Airport was the only one she passed through that was even slightly busy, she said.Orlando International Airport was the only one she passed through that was even slightly busy, she said.
Mr. Mack, 57, had no qualms about his reason for traveling halfway across the country from his home in Overland Park, Kan. His employer there, Krucial Staffing, recruited nurses from around the country to help out in New York City hospitals inundated with Covid-19 patients.Mr. Mack, 57, had no qualms about his reason for traveling halfway across the country from his home in Overland Park, Kan. His employer there, Krucial Staffing, recruited nurses from around the country to help out in New York City hospitals inundated with Covid-19 patients.
A notice on the company’s website sought 400 registered nurses, offering them $10,000 a week for three weeks. When they arrived at a hotel in Midtown Manhattan, Mr. Mack would be there to greet them and help them get situated.A notice on the company’s website sought 400 registered nurses, offering them $10,000 a week for three weeks. When they arrived at a hotel in Midtown Manhattan, Mr. Mack would be there to greet them and help them get situated.
After landing at La Guardia on Thursday, Mr. Mack said he was not fearful about getting sick himself. But he was puzzling over a conundrum he had not faced on his previous trips to New York: how would he occupy his spare time.After landing at La Guardia on Thursday, Mr. Mack said he was not fearful about getting sick himself. But he was puzzling over a conundrum he had not faced on his previous trips to New York: how would he occupy his spare time.