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Coronavirus in N.Y.C.: Latest Updates Coronavirus in N.Y.C.: Latest Updates
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It’s Thursday.It’s Thursday.
Weather: Chilly, breezy and mostly sunny, with a high around 50.Weather: Chilly, breezy and mostly sunny, with a high around 50.
Alternate-side parking: Suspended through April 28. Meters are in effect.Alternate-side parking: Suspended through April 28. Meters are in effect.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Wednesday he would require people to wear face coverings in public places where they could not keep six feet away from others, an aggressive step in New York’s effort to contain the coronavirus.Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Wednesday he would require people to wear face coverings in public places where they could not keep six feet away from others, an aggressive step in New York’s effort to contain the coronavirus.
The requirement, Mr. Cuomo said, would be the subject of an executive order set to take effect on Friday that would apply to settings like buses and subway trains, sidewalks and grocery stores.The requirement, Mr. Cuomo said, would be the subject of an executive order set to take effect on Friday that would apply to settings like buses and subway trains, sidewalks and grocery stores.
Mr. Cuomo said that face coverings, which could be masks, scarves or bandannas, could be worn below the chin when no one was nearby.Mr. Cuomo said that face coverings, which could be masks, scarves or bandannas, could be worn below the chin when no one was nearby.
“You’re walking down the street alone?” he said. “Great. You’re now at an intersection and there are people at the intersection and you’re going to be in proximity to other people? Put the mask on.”“You’re walking down the street alone?” he said. “Great. You’re now at an intersection and there are people at the intersection and you’re going to be in proximity to other people? Put the mask on.”
He added, “You don’t have the right to infect me.”He added, “You don’t have the right to infect me.”
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that people wear cloth face coverings to prevent transmission of the virus, which spreads primarily through droplets generated when, for instance, an infected person coughs or sneezes.The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that people wear cloth face coverings to prevent transmission of the virus, which spreads primarily through droplets generated when, for instance, an infected person coughs or sneezes.
[Get the latest news and updates on the coronavirus in the New York region.][Get the latest news and updates on the coronavirus in the New York region.]
Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey said on Wednesday that another 351 people had died in the state, bringing the total killed by the virus there to 3,156. The state reported 365 deaths on Monday, a total that reflected fatalities recorded over the weekend.Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey said on Wednesday that another 351 people had died in the state, bringing the total killed by the virus there to 3,156. The state reported 365 deaths on Monday, a total that reflected fatalities recorded over the weekend.
There were 1,980 patients in critical or intensive care, and around 1,700 of them were on ventilators, Mr. Murphy said at his daily briefing. As of Tuesday night, 8,270 New Jersey residents had been hospitalized.There were 1,980 patients in critical or intensive care, and around 1,700 of them were on ventilators, Mr. Murphy said at his daily briefing. As of Tuesday night, 8,270 New Jersey residents had been hospitalized.
The governor reiterated at a briefing that New Jersey’s revenue was “falling off the cliff” and that it as well as other states were in desperate need of federal aid. And he suggested that officials might give additional guidance as soon as Thursday about how long schools, which have been closed indefinitely, would remain shut down.The governor reiterated at a briefing that New Jersey’s revenue was “falling off the cliff” and that it as well as other states were in desperate need of federal aid. And he suggested that officials might give additional guidance as soon as Thursday about how long schools, which have been closed indefinitely, would remain shut down.
[Coronavirus in New York: A map and the case count.][Coronavirus in New York: A map and the case count.]
Transit workers who show coronavirus symptoms will be offered priority testing at certain urgent-care centers in New York City, officials said on Monday.Transit workers who show coronavirus symptoms will be offered priority testing at certain urgent-care centers in New York City, officials said on Monday.
Northwell Health, which operates 52 such centers in New York, will test up to 350 transit workers a week as part of a new partnership with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.Northwell Health, which operates 52 such centers in New York, will test up to 350 transit workers a week as part of a new partnership with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
The testing agreement with the authority, which operates the city’s subway, buses and two suburban railroads, is similar to arrangements that Northwell Health has with the city’s police and fire departments.The testing agreement with the authority, which operates the city’s subway, buses and two suburban railroads, is similar to arrangements that Northwell Health has with the city’s police and fire departments.
“As the largest employer of health care workers in the state, we understand how vital it is to have a functioning mass transit system during this time of unprecedented challenges,” Michael J. Dowling, Northwell Health’s president, said.“As the largest employer of health care workers in the state, we understand how vital it is to have a functioning mass transit system during this time of unprecedented challenges,” Michael J. Dowling, Northwell Health’s president, said.
The Heartbreaking Last Texts of a Hospital Worker on the Front LinesThe Heartbreaking Last Texts of a Hospital Worker on the Front Lines
Now Arriving at La Guardia Airport: One PassengerNow Arriving at La Guardia Airport: One Passenger
New York Streets Are Nearly Empty, but Speeding Tickets Have DoubledNew York Streets Are Nearly Empty, but Speeding Tickets Have Doubled
Treating Coronavirus in a Central Park ‘Hot Zone’Treating Coronavirus in a Central Park ‘Hot Zone’
This Is Schooling Now for 200,000 N.Y.C. Children in Special EducationThis Is Schooling Now for 200,000 N.Y.C. Children in Special Education
Want more news? Check out our full coverage.Want more news? Check out our full coverage.
The Mini Crossword: Here is today’s puzzle.The Mini Crossword: Here is today’s puzzle.
Three New York delivery app customers sued GrubHub, DoorDash, Postmates and Uber Eats, alleging the companies charge restaurants “exorbitant” fees. [Gothamist]Three New York delivery app customers sued GrubHub, DoorDash, Postmates and Uber Eats, alleging the companies charge restaurants “exorbitant” fees. [Gothamist]
Jimmy Webb, a salesman and buyer at Trash and Vaudeville, a rock ‘n’ roll clothing store in the East Village, is dead at 62. [New York Post]Jimmy Webb, a salesman and buyer at Trash and Vaudeville, a rock ‘n’ roll clothing store in the East Village, is dead at 62. [New York Post]
A Brooklyn apartment sold for $20.3 million, making it the most expensive home ever sold in the borough. [Business Insider]A Brooklyn apartment sold for $20.3 million, making it the most expensive home ever sold in the borough. [Business Insider]
Julia Carmel and Tammy La Gorce write:Julia Carmel and Tammy La Gorce write:
The season of pink has arrived.The season of pink has arrived.
Although the coronavirus outbreak has made it difficult to enjoy the cherry trees, it’s still possible to admire the blossoms from a safe distance, either by scrolling through online cherry trackers, strolling through a park that is still open, finding the perfect view through a closed gate or even driving through New Jersey.Although the coronavirus outbreak has made it difficult to enjoy the cherry trees, it’s still possible to admire the blossoms from a safe distance, either by scrolling through online cherry trackers, strolling through a park that is still open, finding the perfect view through a closed gate or even driving through New Jersey.
Updated June 16, 2020 Updated June 12, 2020
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.
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.
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.
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.
At the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, the Sakura Matsuri, or Cherry Blossom Festival, has been an annual tradition since 1982.At the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, the Sakura Matsuri, or Cherry Blossom Festival, has been an annual tradition since 1982.
But this year, the garden’s 214 cherry trees will bloom without an audience. The festival, which can draw 70,000 people over one weekend, has been canceled. The garden is closed.But this year, the garden’s 214 cherry trees will bloom without an audience. The festival, which can draw 70,000 people over one weekend, has been canceled. The garden is closed.
“It’s sad to say, but it’s absolutely gorgeous there,” said Ronnit Bendavid-Val, the director of horticulture at the garden. “Everything holds its breath for a minute between winter and spring,” she continued, “and then there’s this explosion of spring.”“It’s sad to say, but it’s absolutely gorgeous there,” said Ronnit Bendavid-Val, the director of horticulture at the garden. “Everything holds its breath for a minute between winter and spring,” she continued, “and then there’s this explosion of spring.”
[See more cherry blossoms.][See more cherry blossoms.]
Passers-by can catch a glimpse of several trees through the garden’s Eastern Parkway entrance. The blossoms on the Cherry Esplanade can also be seen if you walk up the hill near the parking lot between the Brooklyn Museum and the garden on Washington Avenue.Passers-by can catch a glimpse of several trees through the garden’s Eastern Parkway entrance. The blossoms on the Cherry Esplanade can also be seen if you walk up the hill near the parking lot between the Brooklyn Museum and the garden on Washington Avenue.
The garden has been updating its CherryWatch tracker daily and is planning to share videos from past festivals on April 25 and 26 — the weekend the festival was meant to take place. There are also virtual tours available on its Instagram and Facebook pages. The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx, also closed, offers a cherry tracker, too.The garden has been updating its CherryWatch tracker daily and is planning to share videos from past festivals on April 25 and 26 — the weekend the festival was meant to take place. There are also virtual tours available on its Instagram and Facebook pages. The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx, also closed, offers a cherry tracker, too.
It’s Thursday — think pink.It’s Thursday — think pink.
Dear Diary:Dear Diary:
I was living on East 80th Street in the late 1960s and commuting to a job on Long Island.I was living on East 80th Street in the late 1960s and commuting to a job on Long Island.
I kept pretty regular hours, leaving around 7:30 a.m. each day. I was usually able to find a parking spot on my block or around the corner on East End Avenue when I returned home in the late afternoon.I kept pretty regular hours, leaving around 7:30 a.m. each day. I was usually able to find a parking spot on my block or around the corner on East End Avenue when I returned home in the late afternoon.
At some point, I became aware that a man in a car was waiting near where I was parked and grabbing my spot as soon as I left. To my amusement, this went on for several weeks.At some point, I became aware that a man in a car was waiting near where I was parked and grabbing my spot as soon as I left. To my amusement, this went on for several weeks.
One morning, the man drove up beside my car as soon as I got into it. Rolling down his window, he smiled and handed me a bouquet of flowers.One morning, the man drove up beside my car as soon as I got into it. Rolling down his window, he smiled and handed me a bouquet of flowers.
— Linda Brill— Linda Brill
New York Today is published weekdays around 6 a.m. Sign up here to get it by email. You can also find it at nytoday.com.New York Today is published weekdays around 6 a.m. Sign up here to get it by email. You can also find it at nytoday.com.
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