'Helping Artists and Social Services Survive the Crisis' diff viewer (15/16)

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Helping Artists and Social Services Survive the Crisis	Helping Artists and Social Services Survive the Crisis
2020-06-24 11:34:45 UTC	2020-06-24 15:27:01 UTC (about 4 hours later)
Before the coronavirus crisis struck New York, four young adults with autism had come to rely on vocational training they attended every weekday through Quality Services for the Autism Community.	Before the coronavirus crisis struck New York, four young adults with autism had come to rely on vocational training they attended every weekday through Quality Services for the Autism Community.
When stay-at-home orders suddenly disrupted that program, the participants were at a loss.	When stay-at-home orders suddenly disrupted that program, the participants were at a loss.
“All of them were having a really difficult time adjusting to life outside of their daily routine,” said Joseph Amodeo, the senior director of strategy and communications at the nonprofit organization.	“All of them were having a really difficult time adjusting to life outside of their daily routine,” said Joseph Amodeo, the senior director of strategy and communications at the nonprofit organization.
After a week’s hiatus, the four convened for their first virtual meeting, which became an emotional reunion. Some cried at the sight of their peers.	After a week’s hiatus, the four convened for their first virtual meeting, which became an emotional reunion. Some cried at the sight of their peers.
“Cameras don’t make everything better,” Mr. Amodeo said, but that moment showcased “the power of togetherness.”	“Cameras don’t make everything better,” Mr. Amodeo said, but that moment showcased “the power of togetherness.”

Quality Services for the Autism Community is one of hundreds of nonprofit organizations in New York that has received support from the N.Y.C. Covid-19 Response and Impact Fund, established by the New York Community Trust and roughly 20 other donors in March.	Quality Services for the Autism Community is one of hundreds of nonprofit organizations in New York that has received support from the N.Y.C. Covid-19 Response and Impact Fund, established by the New York Community Trust and roughly 20 other donors in March.
To help organizations like the New York Community Trust as they assist some of those most impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, The New York Times Neediest Cases Fund has started a Covid-19 Relief Campaign. This monthlong campaign will benefit the New York Community Trust’s Covid-19 Response and Impact Fund and three other organizations offering support amid the outbreak.	To help organizations like the New York Community Trust as they assist some of those most impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, The New York Times Neediest Cases Fund has started a Covid-19 Relief Campaign. This monthlong campaign will benefit the New York Community Trust’s Covid-19 Response and Impact Fund and three other organizations offering support amid the outbreak.
Lorie Slutsky, the president of the New York Community Trust, noted that after 9/11, the foundation raised $550 million to help the city recover. “This is not a new role for us, sadly,” she said.	Lorie Slutsky, the president of the New York Community Trust, noted that after 9/11, the foundation raised $550 million to help the city recover. “This is not a new role for us, sadly,” she said.
The Covid-19 Response and Impact Fund prioritizes struggling arts organizations and essential social service agencies that are facing new challenges amid the crisis. So far, the fund has distributed about $40 million in grants and $20 million in interest-free loans to more than 350 nonprofits in New York.	The Covid-19 Response and Impact Fund prioritizes struggling arts organizations and essential social service agencies that are facing new challenges amid the crisis. So far, the fund has distributed about $40 million in grants and $20 million in interest-free loans to more than 350 nonprofits in New York.
That aid has met a wide range of demand. For one, Quality Services for the Autism Community supports about 2,700 children and adults, offering resources like workshops for caregivers and educational programs. A $165,000 grant will allow it to cover salaries, buy personal protective equipment for staff members in its residences and provide students with devices needed for remote learning.	That aid has met a wide range of demand. For one, Quality Services for the Autism Community supports about 2,700 children and adults, offering resources like workshops for caregivers and educational programs. A $165,000 grant will allow it to cover salaries, buy personal protective equipment for staff members in its residences and provide students with devices needed for remote learning.
“A majority of our families are lower income, and they may not have tablets and laptops to engage,” said Lisa A. Veglia, the chief executive of the organization. “We were able to secure all of that.”	“A majority of our families are lower income, and they may not have tablets and laptops to engage,” said Lisa A. Veglia, the chief executive of the organization. “We were able to secure all of that.”
Some clients have severe disabilities and require the attention of several adults at any given time. With people spending more time at home, that responsibility has fallen on families.	Some clients have severe disabilities and require the attention of several adults at any given time. With people spending more time at home, that responsibility has fallen on families.
“We’ve been in contact with them as much as possible,” said Gina Feliciano, the senior director of education services at the nonprofit. “It’s a radical change for our families.”	“We’ve been in contact with them as much as possible,” said Gina Feliciano, the senior director of education services at the nonprofit. “It’s a radical change for our families.”
The organization is offering caregivers virtual support groups and training sessions, and even doing grocery runs for families that don’t have time for errands while tending to their loved ones.	The organization is offering caregivers virtual support groups and training sessions, and even doing grocery runs for families that don’t have time for errands while tending to their loved ones.
In addition to assisting social service organizations, New York Community Trust’s Covid-19 Response and Impact Fund is also supporting the city’s disrupted arts scene.	In addition to assisting social service organizations, New York Community Trust’s Covid-19 Response and Impact Fund is also supporting the city’s disrupted arts scene.
Ping Chong and Company, a theater company based in the East Village, had to postpone “Nocturne in 2020,” a series of works by five artists of color that was set to debut in April.	Ping Chong and Company, a theater company based in the East Village, had to postpone “Nocturne in 2020,” a series of works by five artists of color that was set to debut in April.
An $80,000 grant from the Covid-19 Response and Impact Fund will help Ping Chong and Company retain six full-time staff members, pay for fees associated with digital events and compensate the “Nocturne” artists.	An $80,000 grant from the Covid-19 Response and Impact Fund will help Ping Chong and Company retain six full-time staff members, pay for fees associated with digital events and compensate the “Nocturne” artists.
“We’re very concerned about next year,” said Jane Jung, the managing director of Ping Chong and Company. “There’s a lot that we don’t know and we can’t control.”	“We’re very concerned about next year,” said Jane Jung, the managing director of Ping Chong and Company. “There’s a lot that we don’t know and we can’t control.”
The organization also hosts in-school residencies in which students create and perform storytelling pieces. This year, that program served roughly 800 students in six schools. One residency wrapped up before stay-at-home orders began, and another had completed all but the final performance, which was set for March 16 — the day the city closed its public schools. Three others had to suspend the program, while only one has continued the residence virtually.	The organization also hosts in-school residencies in which students create and perform storytelling pieces. This year, that program served roughly 800 students in six schools. One residency wrapped up before stay-at-home orders began, and another had completed all but the final performance, which was set for March 16 — the day the city closed its public schools. Three others had to suspend the program, while only one has continued the residence virtually.
~~Updated June ~~22,~~ 2020~~	Updated June 24, 2020
	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.
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.
Ms. Jung also worries about emerging artists of color who lack structural support to weather the crisis. Part of her company’s goal is to become an anchor that can provide grounding for them.	Ms. Jung also worries about emerging artists of color who lack structural support to weather the crisis. Part of her company’s goal is to become an anchor that can provide grounding for them.
“It’s really important that we as creative people and theater artists look for ways to come together,” said Sara Zatz, the associate director of the company. “Theater is all about community.”	“It’s really important that we as creative people and theater artists look for ways to come together,” said Sara Zatz, the associate director of the company. “Theater is all about community.”
The same could be said for dance.	The same could be said for dance.
Gibney, a performing arts and social justice organization that includes a dance company, operates 23 studios and five performance spaces in Manhattan. It is no longer earning revenue from rentals and classes, but a $250,000 grant from the Covid-19 Response and Impact Fund has helped the organization sustain its 70 staff members and roll out robust digital programming.	Gibney, a performing arts and social justice organization that includes a dance company, operates 23 studios and five performance spaces in Manhattan. It is no longer earning revenue from rentals and classes, but a $250,000 grant from the Covid-19 Response and Impact Fund has helped the organization sustain its 70 staff members and roll out robust digital programming.