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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: Spotty showers and windy, with gusts up to 40 miles per hour. High around 60.Weather: Spotty showers and windy, with gusts up to 40 miles per hour. High around 60.
Alternate-side parking: Suspended through May 12. Meters are in effect.Alternate-side parking: Suspended through May 12. Meters are in effect.
Mayor Bill de Blasio lashed out at Hasidic residents of Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood late Tuesday after personally overseeing the police’s dispersal of a crowd that had gathered for the funeral of a rabbi who died of the coronavirus.Mayor Bill de Blasio lashed out at Hasidic residents of Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood late Tuesday after personally overseeing the police’s dispersal of a crowd that had gathered for the funeral of a rabbi who died of the coronavirus.
Mr. de Blasio warned “the Jewish community, and all communities” on Twitter that violations of social-distancing rules could lead to summonses or arrests. Dermot F. Shea, the police commissioner, said 12 summonses had been issued in the incident on Tuesday, including four for refusal to disperse.Mr. de Blasio warned “the Jewish community, and all communities” on Twitter that violations of social-distancing rules could lead to summonses or arrests. Dermot F. Shea, the police commissioner, said 12 summonses had been issued in the incident on Tuesday, including four for refusal to disperse.
At his briefing on Wednesday, the mayor defended his handling of the funeral and his use of the phrase “Jewish community” when he criticized the mourners.At his briefing on Wednesday, the mayor defended his handling of the funeral and his use of the phrase “Jewish community” when he criticized the mourners.
“Members of the Jewish community were putting each other in danger,” he said. “They were putting our police officers in danger.”“Members of the Jewish community were putting each other in danger,” he said. “They were putting our police officers in danger.”
Mr. de Blasio said the funeral, for Rabbi Chaim Mertz, was “by far the largest gathering in any community of New York City of any kind that I had heard of or seen directly or on video since the beginning of this crisis, and it’s just not allowable.”Mr. de Blasio said the funeral, for Rabbi Chaim Mertz, was “by far the largest gathering in any community of New York City of any kind that I had heard of or seen directly or on video since the beginning of this crisis, and it’s just not allowable.”
[A Hasidic funeral is jammed by 2,500 mourners, creating a flash point for de Blasio.][A Hasidic funeral is jammed by 2,500 mourners, creating a flash point for de Blasio.]
After days of public squabbling over the problem of homeless people taking shelter on New York City’s subway during the pandemic, transit officials on Wednesday announced new rules meant to address the issue.After days of public squabbling over the problem of homeless people taking shelter on New York City’s subway during the pandemic, transit officials on Wednesday announced new rules meant to address the issue.
Riders will not be allowed to remain in a station for more than an hour, and large wheeled carts, like shopping carts, are banned from the system, officials said.Riders will not be allowed to remain in a station for more than an hour, and large wheeled carts, like shopping carts, are banned from the system, officials said.
As long as the public health emergency continues, riders will also not be allowed to remain on a train or platform after an announcement that a train is being taken out of service.As long as the public health emergency continues, riders will also not be allowed to remain on a train or platform after an announcement that a train is being taken out of service.
“I want to be clear the status quo has been completely unacceptable,” said Sarah Feinberg, the interim president of New York City Transit, which operates the subway and buses. “It’s my job to make sure everyone who rides our system feels safe and secure, and that our work force feels safe and secure.”“I want to be clear the status quo has been completely unacceptable,” said Sarah Feinberg, the interim president of New York City Transit, which operates the subway and buses. “It’s my job to make sure everyone who rides our system feels safe and secure, and that our work force feels safe and secure.”
With the subway carrying fewer than 10 percent of its usual riders and running fewer trains, the number of homeless people who are effectively living on the subway has come into sharper focus in the past two months.With the subway carrying fewer than 10 percent of its usual riders and running fewer trains, the number of homeless people who are effectively living on the subway has come into sharper focus in the past two months.
[Coronavirus in New York: A map and the case count.][Coronavirus in New York: A map and the case count.]
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo reported on Wednesday that 330 more people had died of the coronavirus in New York.Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo reported on Wednesday that 330 more people had died of the coronavirus in New York.
The one-day death toll was less than half of those the state was recording earlier in April, when there were nearly 800 virus-related deaths a day. But the fatality figures have remained stubbornly steady this week, with 337 deaths reported on Monday and 335 reported on Tuesday.The one-day death toll was less than half of those the state was recording earlier in April, when there were nearly 800 virus-related deaths a day. But the fatality figures have remained stubbornly steady this week, with 337 deaths reported on Monday and 335 reported on Tuesday.
Mr. Cuomo also said the number of virus patients newly admitted to hospitals had risen for the first time in 12 days, if only slightly. “That is not good news,” he said.Mr. Cuomo also said the number of virus patients newly admitted to hospitals had risen for the first time in 12 days, if only slightly. “That is not good news,” he said.
[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.]
Dozens of Decomposing Bodies Found in Trucks at Brooklyn Funeral HomeDozens of Decomposing Bodies Found in Trucks at Brooklyn Funeral Home
‘Patients Have Panic in Their Eyes’: Voices From a Covid-19 Unit‘Patients Have Panic in Their Eyes’: Voices From a Covid-19 Unit
An Arrest at St. Patrick’s, a Struggle for Help, Then a SuicideAn Arrest at St. Patrick’s, a Struggle for Help, Then a Suicide
Food Lines a Mile Long in America’s 2nd Wealthiest StateFood Lines a Mile Long in America’s 2nd Wealthiest State
Together Apart? How About Totally Losing It?Together Apart? How About Totally Losing It?
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.
A man was fatally struck by a bus while biking in Brooklyn, making him the second cyclist killed in the city this year. [Gothamist]A man was fatally struck by a bus while biking in Brooklyn, making him the second cyclist killed in the city this year. [Gothamist]
He has worked in city restaurants for 25 years. “Are people going to come back?” [Grub Street]He has worked in city restaurants for 25 years. “Are people going to come back?” [Grub Street]
A Brooklyn man was accused of stealing stimulus checks out of mailboxes. [NBC New York]A Brooklyn man was accused of stealing stimulus checks out of mailboxes. [NBC New York]
How can faith help New Yorkers face the challenges of the coronavirus? How do people manage their desire to help others while maintaining their own safety?How can faith help New Yorkers face the challenges of the coronavirus? How do people manage their desire to help others while maintaining their own safety?
At 4 p.m. today, join Ginia Bellafante, the writer of the Big City column in The Times, for an audio call with Father John Merz, an Episcopal priest in Brooklyn. Father Merz will draw on his disaster relief experience during Hurricane Sandy to share practical lessons on doing charitable work in times of crisis. He will also offer spiritual advice for helping loved ones.At 4 p.m. today, join Ginia Bellafante, the writer of the Big City column in The Times, for an audio call with Father John Merz, an Episcopal priest in Brooklyn. Father Merz will draw on his disaster relief experience during Hurricane Sandy to share practical lessons on doing charitable work in times of crisis. He will also offer spiritual advice for helping loved ones.
R.S.V.P. here. You may submit questions at any time during the call.R.S.V.P. here. You may submit questions at any time during the call.
The Times’s Henry Fountain writes:The Times’s Henry Fountain writes:
The coronavirus pandemic has transformed the ebb and flow of daily life in countless ways. Americans are comfort-eating, cringe-watching and using their phones for actual voice-calling. And, in New York City, people are also staying under the covers a little bit longer.The coronavirus pandemic has transformed the ebb and flow of daily life in countless ways. Americans are comfort-eating, cringe-watching and using their phones for actual voice-calling. And, in New York City, people are also staying under the covers a little bit longer.
Updated June 12, 2020 Updated June 16, 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.
That is just one of several changes captured by researchers studying electricity use in hundreds of Manhattan apartments before and after the city was locked down in March. People are using up to 25 percent more energy during the daytime as they work or go to school remotely, or cook or binge-watch more.That is just one of several changes captured by researchers studying electricity use in hundreds of Manhattan apartments before and after the city was locked down in March. People are using up to 25 percent more energy during the daytime as they work or go to school remotely, or cook or binge-watch more.
They even seem to be burning the midnight oil a little more. Weekdays are becoming more like weekends.They even seem to be burning the midnight oil a little more. Weekdays are becoming more like weekends.
“You can actually see in the electricity data that people are home much more,” said Christoph Meinrenken, a physicist and associate research scientist at the Earth Institute at Columbia University.“You can actually see in the electricity data that people are home much more,” said Christoph Meinrenken, a physicist and associate research scientist at the Earth Institute at Columbia University.
The data comes from a study set up two years ago by Dr. Meinrenken and his colleagues that uses special electric meters installed in about 400 apartments to provide information on energy use every few seconds.The data comes from a study set up two years ago by Dr. Meinrenken and his colleagues that uses special electric meters installed in about 400 apartments to provide information on energy use every few seconds.
On normal weekdays, there is usually a quick ramp-up in electricity use from about 6 a.m. to 7:30. But now, Dr. Meinrenken said, with no commute to work or no need to get children ready for school, or both, the ramp-up is delayed. “People just seem to get up later,” he said.On normal weekdays, there is usually a quick ramp-up in electricity use from about 6 a.m. to 7:30. But now, Dr. Meinrenken said, with no commute to work or no need to get children ready for school, or both, the ramp-up is delayed. “People just seem to get up later,” he said.
On weekends, the start of the morning ramp-up is similar to that of pre-lockdown days. But daytime energy use is still higher than before.On weekends, the start of the morning ramp-up is similar to that of pre-lockdown days. But daytime energy use is still higher than before.
It’s Thursday — catch some zzz’s.It’s Thursday — catch some zzz’s.
Dear Diary:Dear Diary:
I was a junior in college, and I was on my way to a Wednesday evening performance of “Tosca” at the Metropolitan Opera.I was a junior in college, and I was on my way to a Wednesday evening performance of “Tosca” at the Metropolitan Opera.
I got off the subway at 66th Street, fixed my bow tie and checked my watch. Having some time before the performance was to begin, I decided to stop for a coffee.I got off the subway at 66th Street, fixed my bow tie and checked my watch. Having some time before the performance was to begin, I decided to stop for a coffee.
As I waited to order, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was being watched. Glancing around, I noticed a man with frizzy gray hair staring at me while shaking his head disapprovingly.As I waited to order, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was being watched. Glancing around, I noticed a man with frizzy gray hair staring at me while shaking his head disapprovingly.
My natural reaction was to look away and pretend that we hadn’t made eye contact.My natural reaction was to look away and pretend that we hadn’t made eye contact.
As I was leaving, the man with the frizzy hair approached me.As I was leaving, the man with the frizzy hair approached me.
“A bow tie?” he said. “On a Wednesday night?”“A bow tie?” he said. “On a Wednesday night?”
— David Daniel— David Daniel
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