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Virus Relief Plan Has a Workers’ ‘Bill of Rights’ Virus Relief Plan Has a Workers’ ‘Bill of Rights’
(8 days later)
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It’s Thursday.It’s Thursday.
Weather: Cloudy, with the chance of a morning shower and a high around 50.Weather: Cloudy, with the chance of a morning shower and a high around 50.
Alternate-side parking: Suspended through Tuesday. Meters are in effect.Alternate-side parking: Suspended through Tuesday. Meters are in effect.
The New York City Council, meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, introduced a virus relief package that included measures to protect tenants, small businesses, essential workers and homeless people.The New York City Council, meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, introduced a virus relief package that included measures to protect tenants, small businesses, essential workers and homeless people.
The legislation contains a workers’ “bill of rights” that requires paid sick leave for so-called gig workers and extra pay for nonsalaried essential employees at big companies until the state of emergency is lifted, as well as a ban on the firing of essential workers without just cause.The legislation contains a workers’ “bill of rights” that requires paid sick leave for so-called gig workers and extra pay for nonsalaried essential employees at big companies until the state of emergency is lifted, as well as a ban on the firing of essential workers without just cause.
The legislation would also give renters who have been affected financially by the virus and shutdown more time to pay their rent, and it would offer housing protection to essential workers, the City Council speaker, Corey Johnson, said.The legislation would also give renters who have been affected financially by the virus and shutdown more time to pay their rent, and it would offer housing protection to essential workers, the City Council speaker, Corey Johnson, said.
The meeting, which was streamed live, was the council’s first since the city shut down in the face of the coronavirus outbreak.The meeting, which was streamed live, was the council’s first since the city shut down in the face of the coronavirus outbreak.
The measures to help essential workers at big companies include a requirement for bonuses ranging from $30 for shifts under four hours to $75 for shifts over eight hours.The measures to help essential workers at big companies include a requirement for bonuses ranging from $30 for shifts under four hours to $75 for shifts over eight hours.
The tenant protections would bar marshals and sheriffs from collecting debts or evicting residential or commercial tenants affected by the virus until next April.The tenant protections would bar marshals and sheriffs from collecting debts or evicting residential or commercial tenants affected by the virus until next April.
For people living in homeless shelters, where the virus has hit hard, the legislation requires the city to provide private rooms for every adult until the pandemic ends.For people living in homeless shelters, where the virus has hit hard, the legislation requires the city to provide private rooms for every adult until the pandemic ends.
The provisions for small businesses include suspending personal-liability provisions in leases so that business owners affected by the virus do not face personal financial ruin or bankruptcy.The provisions for small businesses include suspending personal-liability provisions in leases so that business owners affected by the virus do not face personal financial ruin or bankruptcy.
[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.]
New York State recorded another 474 virus-related deaths, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said at his daily briefing on Wednesday. The new deaths brought the state’s overall toll to 15,302.New York State recorded another 474 virus-related deaths, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said at his daily briefing on Wednesday. The new deaths brought the state’s overall toll to 15,302.
It was the third straight day that fewer than 500 deaths were reported, a sign that the outbreak might be leveling off after several days of more than 700 deaths.It was the third straight day that fewer than 500 deaths were reported, a sign that the outbreak might be leveling off after several days of more than 700 deaths.
The number of virus patients in hospitals also fell, for a ninth straight day, Mr. Cuomo said.The number of virus patients in hospitals also fell, for a ninth straight day, Mr. Cuomo said.
[Coronavirus in New York: A map and the case count.][Coronavirus in New York: A map and the case count.]
The fireworks show must go on.The fireworks show must go on.
So said Mayor Bill de Blasio on Twitter on Wednesday, posting a video message in which he promised that the annual Macy’s Fourth of July pyrotechnic display would light up the sky despite the city’s current shutdown and gloomy prospects for the summer.So said Mayor Bill de Blasio on Twitter on Wednesday, posting a video message in which he promised that the annual Macy’s Fourth of July pyrotechnic display would light up the sky despite the city’s current shutdown and gloomy prospects for the summer.
“One thing we know for sure,” Mr. de Blasio said. “We will find a way to put on a show that will show how much we love our country.”“One thing we know for sure,” Mr. de Blasio said. “We will find a way to put on a show that will show how much we love our country.”
He elaborated at his morning briefing.He elaborated at his morning briefing.
“This is a day we cannot miss, this is a celebration that has to happen,” he said. “Come hell or high water, we are going to do this.”“This is a day we cannot miss, this is a celebration that has to happen,” he said. “Come hell or high water, we are going to do this.”
The response on Twitter was swift and furious. Some people apparently felt the promise showed misplaced priorities. “How about u stop worrying about Celebrations and fix this city,” one user asked.The response on Twitter was swift and furious. Some people apparently felt the promise showed misplaced priorities. “How about u stop worrying about Celebrations and fix this city,” one user asked.
How N.Y.C. Struggled to Protect the Workers Who Still Had to Show UpHow N.Y.C. Struggled to Protect the Workers Who Still Had to Show Up
Two Cats Are First U.S. Pets to Test Positive for CoronavirusTwo Cats Are First U.S. Pets to Test Positive for Coronavirus
Few Travelers, Few Flights and Now, a Total Airport ShutdownFew Travelers, Few Flights and Now, a Total Airport Shutdown
New Yorkers Want Cheap Wine, and Lots of ItNew Yorkers Want Cheap Wine, and Lots of It
New York and Boston Pigeons Don’t MixNew York and Boston Pigeons Don’t Mix
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.
What does a good megadevelopment look like? [Curbed New York]What does a good megadevelopment look like? [Curbed New York]
A pick-me-up: There are tulips aplenty in TriBeCa’s Washington Market Park. [Tribeca Citizen]A pick-me-up: There are tulips aplenty in TriBeCa’s Washington Market Park. [Tribeca Citizen]
Sanam Yar writes:Sanam Yar writes:
For many New Yorkers, the ritual of grabbing a daily coffee is one of the last luxuries they are holding on to while social distancing.For many New Yorkers, the ritual of grabbing a daily coffee is one of the last luxuries they are holding on to while social distancing.
On weekends, people line up six feet apart outside cafes offering cappuccinos and mochas to go. Bodegas continue to serve steaming hot cups of coffee to regulars and emergency workers alike.On weekends, people line up six feet apart outside cafes offering cappuccinos and mochas to go. Bodegas continue to serve steaming hot cups of coffee to regulars and emergency workers alike.
New York is fueled and anchored by its coffee purveyors, and contains more of them per capita than any other city in the United States, according to a study by WalletHub.New York is fueled and anchored by its coffee purveyors, and contains more of them per capita than any other city in the United States, according to a study by WalletHub.
Now that many of those shops have temporarily or permanently closed, a morning latte has come to represent something more: supporting a local business, while preserving a sense of routine.Now that many of those shops have temporarily or permanently closed, a morning latte has come to represent something more: supporting a local business, while preserving a sense of routine.
Updated June 24, 2020 Updated June 30, 2020
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.
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
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.
In the years leading up to the pandemic, Lesley Berson, 47, would take her son’s hand and make the trip across the street from their Harlem apartment to Lenox Coffee several times a week.In the years leading up to the pandemic, Lesley Berson, 47, would take her son’s hand and make the trip across the street from their Harlem apartment to Lenox Coffee several times a week.
These days, visiting the shop has become an opportunity to maintain that sense of normalcy and socialize, if only briefly. “I’m a single mother, my child is 7 years old, so to just get out and have a little adult chitchat was really nice,” Ms. Berson said.These days, visiting the shop has become an opportunity to maintain that sense of normalcy and socialize, if only briefly. “I’m a single mother, my child is 7 years old, so to just get out and have a little adult chitchat was really nice,” Ms. Berson said.
Noelle Quanci goes to Kinship Coffee in Astoria, Queens, once a week with her fiancé for takeout cups.Noelle Quanci goes to Kinship Coffee in Astoria, Queens, once a week with her fiancé for takeout cups.
“Right now everyone is scared and nervous,” Ms. Quanci, 29, said. “We’re trying our hardest to ensure that the institutions around us continue to exist.”“Right now everyone is scared and nervous,” Ms. Quanci, 29, said. “We’re trying our hardest to ensure that the institutions around us continue to exist.”
Leaving the house for the occasional coffee, she said, was both a privilege and a “calculated risk” she felt comfortable taking to help a local business.Leaving the house for the occasional coffee, she said, was both a privilege and a “calculated risk” she felt comfortable taking to help a local business.
Many coffee shop owners have found themselves choosing between keeping their stores open and risking the safety of their staff, or facing financial ruin and leaving their employees without work. The cafes that remain open offer only orders for takeout or delivery and often operate at reduced hours.Many coffee shop owners have found themselves choosing between keeping their stores open and risking the safety of their staff, or facing financial ruin and leaving their employees without work. The cafes that remain open offer only orders for takeout or delivery and often operate at reduced hours.
“If we were to close, we would not reopen,” said Sabrina Meinhardt, the director of operations at Dépanneur in Brooklyn. “Customers are very grateful and say ‘thank you,’ and tips have been really wonderful. It’s support for our staff when sales are about half of what they’d normally be.”“If we were to close, we would not reopen,” said Sabrina Meinhardt, the director of operations at Dépanneur in Brooklyn. “Customers are very grateful and say ‘thank you,’ and tips have been really wonderful. It’s support for our staff when sales are about half of what they’d normally be.”
It’s Thursday — caffeinate.It’s Thursday — caffeinate.
Dear Diary:Dear Diary:
I was a new employee at Chase Manhattan, in the trust and estates tax department, in fall 1967. I was from upstate New York, excited by the whole idea of living in New York and totally prepared for the grueling work of analyzing tax returns in the period from January to April known as tax season.I was a new employee at Chase Manhattan, in the trust and estates tax department, in fall 1967. I was from upstate New York, excited by the whole idea of living in New York and totally prepared for the grueling work of analyzing tax returns in the period from January to April known as tax season.
Tax departments work very late hours during the season, often from 7 a.m. until after 10 p.m. Every weekday night I would go to the subway station with my friend Sven, another tax department employee.Tax departments work very late hours during the season, often from 7 a.m. until after 10 p.m. Every weekday night I would go to the subway station with my friend Sven, another tax department employee.
He and I would ride uptown to 96th Street, where I would get off and wave to him from the platform as the train doors closed and he continued northward.He and I would ride uptown to 96th Street, where I would get off and wave to him from the platform as the train doors closed and he continued northward.
My husband would meet me at the top of the station stairs and we would walk to our apartment at 99th Street and West End Avenue.My husband would meet me at the top of the station stairs and we would walk to our apartment at 99th Street and West End Avenue.
Months later, I realized that Sven, worried about the upstate girl on the subway alone at night, would go to the next stop, get off, head south on the next train and change at Penn Station for the train that eventually took him home to New Jersey.Months later, I realized that Sven, worried about the upstate girl on the subway alone at night, would go to the next stop, get off, head south on the next train and change at Penn Station for the train that eventually took him home to New Jersey.
— Anne Sawyko— Anne Sawyko
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