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| New Yorkers Want Cheap Wine, and Lots of It | New Yorkers Want Cheap Wine, and Lots of It |
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| Since New Yorkers were told to stay inside, Amanda Shy and her husband, Matthew McCurdy, both actors, have altered the way they make purchases from their local liquor store, Whiskey and Wine. First, they no longer go twice a week; they shop there every day. Second, they no longer visit the store in person. | Since New Yorkers were told to stay inside, Amanda Shy and her husband, Matthew McCurdy, both actors, have altered the way they make purchases from their local liquor store, Whiskey and Wine. First, they no longer go twice a week; they shop there every day. Second, they no longer visit the store in person. |
| Every afternoon, Ms. Shy goes online, picks out a red wine, and then adds on to her order two mini bottles of vodka and tequila, the kind you would get on an airplane, in order to make cocktails for the couple’s evening Zoom chats. | Every afternoon, Ms. Shy goes online, picks out a red wine, and then adds on to her order two mini bottles of vodka and tequila, the kind you would get on an airplane, in order to make cocktails for the couple’s evening Zoom chats. |
| “We live on the top floor of a fifth-floor walk up,” Ms. Shy said. “The delivery guy, who wears a mask, comes to the door, sets the bottle on the counter, which is right by our kitchen sink, and leaves,” she continued. “We then put the bottle in the sink and disinfect it. There’s no touching anyone, no slip of paper we need to sign. It’s super easy.” | “We live on the top floor of a fifth-floor walk up,” Ms. Shy said. “The delivery guy, who wears a mask, comes to the door, sets the bottle on the counter, which is right by our kitchen sink, and leaves,” she continued. “We then put the bottle in the sink and disinfect it. There’s no touching anyone, no slip of paper we need to sign. It’s super easy.” |
| The couple also tips graciously: $7 each time, in honor of the 7 p.m. cheer for front-line workers. | The couple also tips graciously: $7 each time, in honor of the 7 p.m. cheer for front-line workers. |
| “We thought it was a nice thing to do,” she said. “We wanted to acknowledge everyone who’s doing their part.” | “We thought it was a nice thing to do,” she said. “We wanted to acknowledge everyone who’s doing their part.” |
| For New Yorkers who imbibe, this is a pretty typical existence these days. And liquor stores, deemed essential businesses, have pivoted to cater to this new normal. | For New Yorkers who imbibe, this is a pretty typical existence these days. And liquor stores, deemed essential businesses, have pivoted to cater to this new normal. |
| On Manhattan’s Upper East Side, there are more than 12 liquor stores within a 10-block radius. Here’s how several of them have adjusted to doing business during the coronavirus outbreak. | On Manhattan’s Upper East Side, there are more than 12 liquor stores within a 10-block radius. Here’s how several of them have adjusted to doing business during the coronavirus outbreak. |
| Dr. Wine70th Street and First Avenue212-861-9463 | Dr. Wine70th Street and First Avenue212-861-9463 |
| Customers enter Dr. Wine two at a time, six feet apart. For those waiting outside, a sign reads, “Please stand here to maintain social distancing.” | Customers enter Dr. Wine two at a time, six feet apart. For those waiting outside, a sign reads, “Please stand here to maintain social distancing.” |
| Dr. Wine has seen a 70 percent increase in sales, and some changes in what and how much is being bought. | Dr. Wine has seen a 70 percent increase in sales, and some changes in what and how much is being bought. |
| “People are buying more hard liquor, especially vodka because some customers believe it kills the virus,” Chandra Loknauth, a saleswoman, said. “People are buying more than what they need. Before they bought one or two bottles. Now it’s four or a case. They’re afraid we will close, and then what will they do? They’re coming in more often, too.” | “People are buying more hard liquor, especially vodka because some customers believe it kills the virus,” Chandra Loknauth, a saleswoman, said. “People are buying more than what they need. Before they bought one or two bottles. Now it’s four or a case. They’re afraid we will close, and then what will they do? They’re coming in more often, too.” |
| Deliveries have shot up to 70 a day from 20, said Ms. Loknauth, who often does them herself. “I’ll do drop-offs on foot or sometimes in the car, because we’ve cut down on staff.” | Deliveries have shot up to 70 a day from 20, said Ms. Loknauth, who often does them herself. “I’ll do drop-offs on foot or sometimes in the car, because we’ve cut down on staff.” |
| McCabes Wines & Spirits77th Street and 3rd Avenue212-737-0790 | McCabes Wines & Spirits77th Street and 3rd Avenue212-737-0790 |
| The two windows at McCabes are bursting with bottles. Categorized by price, about 150 are on display so customers — who are not allowed inside — can make selections from the sidewalk. | The two windows at McCabes are bursting with bottles. Categorized by price, about 150 are on display so customers — who are not allowed inside — can make selections from the sidewalk. |
| “We normally have around 30 bottles in the windows, but we wanted to give customers a good shopping experience,” said Courtney Klukow, one of three managers still working at the store. “The way it’s set up now, we can talk to each other at the entrance to the store and they can tell us what they want. If someone has placed an order, we take their name and hand them the bag. Others call us while they’re standing outside.” | “We normally have around 30 bottles in the windows, but we wanted to give customers a good shopping experience,” said Courtney Klukow, one of three managers still working at the store. “The way it’s set up now, we can talk to each other at the entrance to the store and they can tell us what they want. If someone has placed an order, we take their name and hand them the bag. Others call us while they’re standing outside.” |
| Cash is no longer accepted. Gloved employees open and close the shop’s door to take credit-card payments and hand over purchases. | Cash is no longer accepted. Gloved employees open and close the shop’s door to take credit-card payments and hand over purchases. |
| Ms. Klukow said her customers, like those at Dr. Wine, are buying cases instead of a bottle or two. | Ms. Klukow said her customers, like those at Dr. Wine, are buying cases instead of a bottle or two. |
| “The liter isn’t cutting it for some, so they’re buying magnums,” she said. “In the beginning there was panic, so people were stocking up. Now people understand this is becoming a way of life.” | “The liter isn’t cutting it for some, so they’re buying magnums,” she said. “In the beginning there was panic, so people were stocking up. Now people understand this is becoming a way of life.” |
| Sherry-Lehmann Wine & Spirits Merchants59th Street and Park Avenue212-838-7500 | Sherry-Lehmann Wine & Spirits Merchants59th Street and Park Avenue212-838-7500 |
| Up to 200 customers used to walk this renowned store’s aisles every day. Now, only about 10 dare to go inside, said Chris Adams, the chief executive and a partner at Sherry-Lehmann. A sign on the door states, “If you’re not feeling well, please stay out.” Hand sanitizer is abundant. | Up to 200 customers used to walk this renowned store’s aisles every day. Now, only about 10 dare to go inside, said Chris Adams, the chief executive and a partner at Sherry-Lehmann. A sign on the door states, “If you’re not feeling well, please stay out.” Hand sanitizer is abundant. |
| Updated June 22, 2020 | Updated 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. |
| “I’m in a state of disbelief,” Mr. Adams said. “What’s happening is eerie and unsettling.” | |
| Customers are buying more, he said, but spending less on their purchases. In March, the store saw a 20 percent increase in bottle sales over March 2019. | |
| “That’s a sizable amount for us; that’s thousands of bottles,” Mr. Adams said. “But revenue is down because they are buying less expensive bottles,” he continued. “We saw this in 2008. People are not going out for dinner, they’re not getting a drink or two at their neighborhood bar. So, they’re buying wine.” | |
| One of Sherry-Lehmann’s biggest sellers is the Unsung Heroes of Bordeaux 2019 Sampler, a case of French reds priced at nearly $160. In March 2019, the store sold 100 of the Unsung cases; last month, 300 were sold. | |
| Not surprisingly, Champagne has taken the biggest hit — what’s to celebrate? The store, which once sold 35 cases daily, now only moves only about five. | Not surprisingly, Champagne has taken the biggest hit — what’s to celebrate? The store, which once sold 35 cases daily, now only moves only about five. |
| Whiskey and Wine69th Street and Second Avenue212-585-0005 | Whiskey and Wine69th Street and Second Avenue212-585-0005 |
| At Whiskey and Wine, the married actors’ liquor store of choice, the last round of deliveries takes place at 8:45 p.m. But people call long after the shop closes at 9. They also stand outside, asking to buy bottles from the street. | At Whiskey and Wine, the married actors’ liquor store of choice, the last round of deliveries takes place at 8:45 p.m. But people call long after the shop closes at 9. They also stand outside, asking to buy bottles from the street. |
| “We don’t really encourage that,” said Juan Quintero, a partner in the business. “We’ve decided to do deliveries only, but people keep coming. They get upset if I don’t open the door.” | “We don’t really encourage that,” said Juan Quintero, a partner in the business. “We’ve decided to do deliveries only, but people keep coming. They get upset if I don’t open the door.” |
| Mr. Quintero has increased the store’s delivery people to three from two because deliveries have shot up to almost 70, from about 15 a day previously. Before the outbreak, the store had healthy foot traffic; with a few suggestions from Mr. Quintero, customers brought their selections to the register. | Mr. Quintero has increased the store’s delivery people to three from two because deliveries have shot up to almost 70, from about 15 a day previously. Before the outbreak, the store had healthy foot traffic; with a few suggestions from Mr. Quintero, customers brought their selections to the register. |
| “I’m the only one here now,” he said. “I have to pull the bottles from the shelves or go downstairs and get them from the case. Entering all their information takes time, so does the scanning and logging. And people have a lot of questions.” | “I’m the only one here now,” he said. “I have to pull the bottles from the shelves or go downstairs and get them from the case. Entering all their information takes time, so does the scanning and logging. And people have a lot of questions.” |
| Mr. Quintero has noticed a change in the quantity, not the quality, of the wines being purchased. | Mr. Quintero has noticed a change in the quantity, not the quality, of the wines being purchased. |
| “People are buying more, but cheaper and commercial stuff,” he said. “They’re not willing to take a risk and try something different right now. | “People are buying more, but cheaper and commercial stuff,” he said. “They’re not willing to take a risk and try something different right now. |
| “Rather than spend $30, they’re spending $12 on a bottle. They’re worried they’re not earning as much, and some aren’t working.” | “Rather than spend $30, they’re spending $12 on a bottle. They’re worried they’re not earning as much, and some aren’t working.” |
| He has also seen a surprising increase in giving bottles as presents. Mr. Quintero said that before the city virtually shut down, he wrapped one or two bottles a day and wrote “happy birthday” on accompanying cards. Now, he wraps about 15 a day and the cards address the stay-at-home order. | He has also seen a surprising increase in giving bottles as presents. Mr. Quintero said that before the city virtually shut down, he wrapped one or two bottles a day and wrote “happy birthday” on accompanying cards. Now, he wraps about 15 a day and the cards address the stay-at-home order. |
| “People are sending them to make other people feel better,” he said. “They say, ‘Hope you’re getting through the quarantine.’” | “People are sending them to make other people feel better,” he said. “They say, ‘Hope you’re getting through the quarantine.’” |
| New Yorkers might be buying more, but they should also pay attention to whether they are drinking more, said Dr. Yasmin Hurd, director of the Addiction Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital and a professor of psychiatry. “This is a vulnerable time for people with addiction problems, and those who don’t have one,” she said. “You have to take a look at that second, third and fourth glass of wine and be equally vigilant.” Dr. Hurd suggested that liquor stores put up signs that offer hotline numbers, substance-abuse programs and suggestions on where to get help. | New Yorkers might be buying more, but they should also pay attention to whether they are drinking more, said Dr. Yasmin Hurd, director of the Addiction Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital and a professor of psychiatry. “This is a vulnerable time for people with addiction problems, and those who don’t have one,” she said. “You have to take a look at that second, third and fourth glass of wine and be equally vigilant.” Dr. Hurd suggested that liquor stores put up signs that offer hotline numbers, substance-abuse programs and suggestions on where to get help. |