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Coronavirus in N.Y.C.: Latest Updates Coronavirus in N.Y.C.: Latest Updates
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It’s Monday.It’s Monday.
Weather: Cloudy and breezy, with a high near 70.Weather: Cloudy and breezy, with a high near 70.
Alternate-side parking is in effect through Wednesday, then suspended on Thursday for Solemnity of the Ascension. It is in effect Friday and Saturday, then suspended through June 7. The city may extend the suspension past June 7 based on street cleanliness and work-force availability.Alternate-side parking is in effect through Wednesday, then suspended on Thursday for Solemnity of the Ascension. It is in effect Friday and Saturday, then suspended through June 7. The city may extend the suspension past June 7 based on street cleanliness and work-force availability.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo wants thousands more New Yorkers to get tested for the coronavirus — so much so that he had himself tested during his live news briefing in Albany on Sunday.Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo wants thousands more New Yorkers to get tested for the coronavirus — so much so that he had himself tested during his live news briefing in Albany on Sunday.
He stood still and closed his eyes as a doctor fully swathed in personal protective equipment inserted a swab deep into his nose. Then the governor sat down without so much as a sneeze.He stood still and closed his eyes as a doctor fully swathed in personal protective equipment inserted a swab deep into his nose. Then the governor sat down without so much as a sneeze.
“That is the whole test,” Mr. Cuomo said. “I’m not in pain. I’m not in discomfort. Closing my eyes was a moment of relaxation. There is no reason why you should not get the test.”“That is the whole test,” Mr. Cuomo said. “I’m not in pain. I’m not in discomfort. Closing my eyes was a moment of relaxation. There is no reason why you should not get the test.”
It was a shift in messaging from what doctors had been telling many New Yorkers with mild or no symptoms through much of this crisis — that they should stay home rather than risk getting sick or infecting others by seeking a test. But with the state increasing its testing capacity, health officials are pushing more residents to get tested to help them trace and contain the virus and the illness it causes, Covid-19.It was a shift in messaging from what doctors had been telling many New Yorkers with mild or no symptoms through much of this crisis — that they should stay home rather than risk getting sick or infecting others by seeking a test. But with the state increasing its testing capacity, health officials are pushing more residents to get tested to help them trace and contain the virus and the illness it causes, Covid-19.
[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.]
Although New York City beaches will not open as usual by Memorial Day weekend, Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city would still be monitoring them to prevent crowding among people who do go there.Although New York City beaches will not open as usual by Memorial Day weekend, Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city would still be monitoring them to prevent crowding among people who do go there.
“No swimming. No parties. No sports. No gatherings,” Mr. de Blasio said at his daily news conference on Sunday. “We’re going to give people a chance to get it right.”“No swimming. No parties. No sports. No gatherings,” Mr. de Blasio said at his daily news conference on Sunday. “We’re going to give people a chance to get it right.”
When city beaches are not officially open, lifeguards are not on duty and swimming is prohibited, but people are allowed onto the sand. With temperatures rising in the region, the mayor said, the city would continue to treat the coming days as a typical off-season. “If someone from the local community wants to walk on the beach, that’s OK,” he said. “We’re going to let that happen for now.”When city beaches are not officially open, lifeguards are not on duty and swimming is prohibited, but people are allowed onto the sand. With temperatures rising in the region, the mayor said, the city would continue to treat the coming days as a typical off-season. “If someone from the local community wants to walk on the beach, that’s OK,” he said. “We’re going to let that happen for now.”
[Coronavirus in New York: A map and the case count.][Coronavirus in New York: A map and the case count.]
New York City residents are not permitted to rub elbows inside their favorite bars and restaurants, so many have apparently turned to the next best thing: grabbing drinks to go and lingering on the sidewalks outside.New York City residents are not permitted to rub elbows inside their favorite bars and restaurants, so many have apparently turned to the next best thing: grabbing drinks to go and lingering on the sidewalks outside.
The result in some areas has become a public health problem, and law enforcement officials will patrol the city looking to break up those gatherings, Mr. de Blasio said at his daily news conference on Sunday.The result in some areas has become a public health problem, and law enforcement officials will patrol the city looking to break up those gatherings, Mr. de Blasio said at his daily news conference on Sunday.
The crackdown comes after reports of festive sidewalk gatherings in several areas of the city, including Manhattan and Brooklyn. A reporter for NY1, for example, pointed out that parts of the Upper East Side this weekend resembled the French Quarter section of New Orleans, which, unlike New York, permits public consumption of alcohol. Pictures posted on Twitter seemed to back up the report.The crackdown comes after reports of festive sidewalk gatherings in several areas of the city, including Manhattan and Brooklyn. A reporter for NY1, for example, pointed out that parts of the Upper East Side this weekend resembled the French Quarter section of New Orleans, which, unlike New York, permits public consumption of alcohol. Pictures posted on Twitter seemed to back up the report.
A gathering outside a bar “violates what we’re saying about social distancing, and that puts lives in danger,” Mr. de Blasio said. “We’re not going to tolerate people starting to congregate. It’s as simple as that.”A gathering outside a bar “violates what we’re saying about social distancing, and that puts lives in danger,” Mr. de Blasio said. “We’re not going to tolerate people starting to congregate. It’s as simple as that.”
Why Driving in New York City Now Feels ‘Post-Apocalyptic’Why Driving in New York City Now Feels ‘Post-Apocalyptic’
Where New Yorkers Moved to Escape CoronavirusWhere New Yorkers Moved to Escape Coronavirus
‘I Feel Like a Hero’: A Day in the Life of a Grocery Delivery Man‘I Feel Like a Hero’: A Day in the Life of a Grocery Delivery Man
The ‘Hard Hat Riot’ Was a Preview of Today’s Political DivisionsThe ‘Hard Hat Riot’ Was a Preview of Today’s Political Divisions
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.
Eric Adams, the Brooklyn borough president, has been living in his office for more than a month. [Daily News]Eric Adams, the Brooklyn borough president, has been living in his office for more than a month. [Daily News]
Michael Dowling, the chief executive of Northwell Health, the largest hospital organization in New York, said, “I can’t recall in the last 15 years a discussion with the state about what would need to be done in a pandemic.” [ProPublica]Michael Dowling, the chief executive of Northwell Health, the largest hospital organization in New York, said, “I can’t recall in the last 15 years a discussion with the state about what would need to be done in a pandemic.” [ProPublica]
Two Port Authority police officers delivered a baby on the Staten Island Expressway. [Staten Island Advance]Two Port Authority police officers delivered a baby on the Staten Island Expressway. [Staten Island Advance]
The Times’s Brittainy Newman writes:The Times’s Brittainy Newman writes:
Before the pandemic, a large menu and relatively cheap prices kept the Bel Aire Diner packed.Before the pandemic, a large menu and relatively cheap prices kept the Bel Aire Diner packed.
“We haven’t locked the doors in 25 years,” said Patricia Dellaportas, an owner of the retro-style diner in Astoria, Queens.“We haven’t locked the doors in 25 years,” said Patricia Dellaportas, an owner of the retro-style diner in Astoria, Queens.
But now, unable to serve patrons in its comfortable turquoise booths, the diner — like many New York restaurants struggling to stay afloat during the lockdown — decided to pivot. Bel Aire’s solution was to turn its parking lot into a pop-up drive-in theater.But now, unable to serve patrons in its comfortable turquoise booths, the diner — like many New York restaurants struggling to stay afloat during the lockdown — decided to pivot. Bel Aire’s solution was to turn its parking lot into a pop-up drive-in theater.
Updated June 16, 2020Updated 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.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.
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.
On Wednesday night, people headed there in dozens of cars for two socially distant screenings of “Dirty Dancing.” The film was projected on a 25-foot screen; the audio played through a local radio station. Customers ordered food like hot dogs, sliders and popcorn from the restaurant’s website.On Wednesday night, people headed there in dozens of cars for two socially distant screenings of “Dirty Dancing.” The film was projected on a 25-foot screen; the audio played through a local radio station. Customers ordered food like hot dogs, sliders and popcorn from the restaurant’s website.
“The Sandlot” was shown on Saturday night.“The Sandlot” was shown on Saturday night.
The diner shares how and when to get tickets to its screenings — its first was “Grease” on May 7 — on its social media pages.The diner shares how and when to get tickets to its screenings — its first was “Grease” on May 7 — on its social media pages.
“It’s an amazing way to get the community together and out of their house,” Victoria Philios, the diner’s event coordinator, said. “We’re sold out tonight and feel very fortunate that we’re keeping busy.”“It’s an amazing way to get the community together and out of their house,” Victoria Philios, the diner’s event coordinator, said. “We’re sold out tonight and feel very fortunate that we’re keeping busy.”
It’s Monday — nobody puts Baby in a corner.It’s Monday — nobody puts Baby in a corner.
Dear Diary:Dear Diary:
After 34 years in cramped apartments, my wife and I have an arrangement that is not uncommon among city residents who share tight spaces: I keep stuff, and she throws stuff out.After 34 years in cramped apartments, my wife and I have an arrangement that is not uncommon among city residents who share tight spaces: I keep stuff, and she throws stuff out.
Over time, I have noted that my wife has three distinct levels of “throw out.”Over time, I have noted that my wife has three distinct levels of “throw out.”
Throw-out Level 1 (the lowest): She holds something up and asks: “Can we throw this out?” This gives me an opportunity to object.Throw-out Level 1 (the lowest): She holds something up and asks: “Can we throw this out?” This gives me an opportunity to object.
Throw-out Level 2: She holds something up and says: “I’m throwing this out.” This means that I must present a compelling case for keeping the item in question.Throw-out Level 2: She holds something up and says: “I’m throwing this out.” This means that I must present a compelling case for keeping the item in question.
Throw-out Level 3 (what I call “Throw out with extreme malice.”): This is when I ask where something is, and my wife responds: “Oh, that. I threw that out.”Throw-out Level 3 (what I call “Throw out with extreme malice.”): This is when I ask where something is, and my wife responds: “Oh, that. I threw that out.”
— Richard Pieper— Richard Pieper
New York Today is published weekdays around 6 a.m. Sign up here to get it by email. You can also find it at nytoday.com.New York Today is published weekdays around 6 a.m. Sign up here to get it by email. You can also find it at nytoday.com.
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