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New Jersey Allows Gatherings and Opens Campgrounds New Jersey Allows Gatherings and Opens Campgrounds
(8 days later)
[This briefing has ended. For the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak in the New York area, read Saturday’s live coverage.][This briefing has ended. For the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak in the New York area, read Saturday’s live coverage.]
In an unexpected executive order issued Friday night, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York slightly loosened coronavirus restrictions, saying that gatherings of up to 10 people would be allowed “for any lawful purpose or reason” anywhere in the state — including New York City — provided that social-distance protocols were followed.In an unexpected executive order issued Friday night, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York slightly loosened coronavirus restrictions, saying that gatherings of up to 10 people would be allowed “for any lawful purpose or reason” anywhere in the state — including New York City — provided that social-distance protocols were followed.
Cuomo issued the order after the New York Civil Liberties Union filed a suit that objected to Mr. Cuomo’s order on Thursday allowing groups of 10 people or less to gather for religious services or for Memorial Day celebrations. Mr. Cuomo’s order on Friday night modified the previous order.Cuomo issued the order after the New York Civil Liberties Union filed a suit that objected to Mr. Cuomo’s order on Thursday allowing groups of 10 people or less to gather for religious services or for Memorial Day celebrations. Mr. Cuomo’s order on Friday night modified the previous order.
The revision was swiftly condemned by Councilman Mark D. Levine, who represents Upper Manhattan and is chairman of the City Council’s health committee. He stressed that the order had not been made by health professionals.The revision was swiftly condemned by Councilman Mark D. Levine, who represents Upper Manhattan and is chairman of the City Council’s health committee. He stressed that the order had not been made by health professionals.
“This shocking order, forced by a lawsuit, changes nothing about the risks associated with group gatherings — especially those held indoors,” he said in tweets posted about 8:45 p.m.“This shocking order, forced by a lawsuit, changes nothing about the risks associated with group gatherings — especially those held indoors,” he said in tweets posted about 8:45 p.m.
“We need the public to continue to be smart and use judgement about the risks of this virus, regardless of what the court has forced on us,” he added. “No one should interpret this as advice to change their behavior.”“We need the public to continue to be smart and use judgement about the risks of this virus, regardless of what the court has forced on us,” he added. “No one should interpret this as advice to change their behavior.”
In filing its lawsuit, the civil liberties union argued that Mr. Cuomo’s order allowing religious and Memorial Day events was unlawful because state rules still banned protests and other activities protected by the First Amendment.In filing its lawsuit, the civil liberties union argued that Mr. Cuomo’s order allowing religious and Memorial Day events was unlawful because state rules still banned protests and other activities protected by the First Amendment.
“We’re glad to see the governor reverse course,” Christopher Dunn, the civil liberty group’s legal director, said in a statement late Friday.“We’re glad to see the governor reverse course,” Christopher Dunn, the civil liberty group’s legal director, said in a statement late Friday.
Mr. Cuomo’s office did not immediately provide a rationale for the change or say what had prompted it.Mr. Cuomo’s office did not immediately provide a rationale for the change or say what had prompted it.
Under the new orders, groups of up to 10 people may gather in any region of the state, even those that have not been cleared to enter the first phase of reopening.Under the new orders, groups of up to 10 people may gather in any region of the state, even those that have not been cleared to enter the first phase of reopening.
Seven of the state’s 10 regions have begun to allow some nonessential businesses to reopen after having met the health and safety standards mandated by the state.Seven of the state’s 10 regions have begun to allow some nonessential businesses to reopen after having met the health and safety standards mandated by the state.
But New York City and most of its suburbs have not satisfied the state’s criteria for reopening, and those areas remain under the “pause” that, until Friday, had prohibited all nonessential gatherings “of any size, for any reason.”But New York City and most of its suburbs have not satisfied the state’s criteria for reopening, and those areas remain under the “pause” that, until Friday, had prohibited all nonessential gatherings “of any size, for any reason.”
Still, anyone choosing to do so must adhere to social distancing as well as the cleaning and disinfection protocols required by the state’s health department.Still, anyone choosing to do so must adhere to social distancing as well as the cleaning and disinfection protocols required by the state’s health department.
Just in time for Memorial Day weekend, Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey said Friday that the state would allow outdoor crowds of up to 25 people and let campgrounds reopen.Just in time for Memorial Day weekend, Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey said Friday that the state would allow outdoor crowds of up to 25 people and let campgrounds reopen.
“I’m proud we are able to take this step today and add a little more hope and optimism to the start of summer,” Mr. Murphy said.“I’m proud we are able to take this step today and add a little more hope and optimism to the start of summer,” Mr. Murphy said.
Social distancing would still be required at outdoor get-togethers, which had been limited to 10 people, and at campgrounds. Face coverings are not required outside, but state officials recommend them.Social distancing would still be required at outdoor get-togethers, which had been limited to 10 people, and at campgrounds. Face coverings are not required outside, but state officials recommend them.
“If you were looking forward to gathering with your neighbors for a Memorial Day cookout, you may do so,” Mr. Murphy said, “so long as social distancing and personal responsibility remain the order of the day.”“If you were looking forward to gathering with your neighbors for a Memorial Day cookout, you may do so,” Mr. Murphy said, “so long as social distancing and personal responsibility remain the order of the day.”
Outdoor dining at restaurants remains forbidden in New Jersey, though Connecticut began allowing it on Wednesday; indoor events are still limited to 10 people, Mr. Murphy said.Outdoor dining at restaurants remains forbidden in New Jersey, though Connecticut began allowing it on Wednesday; indoor events are still limited to 10 people, Mr. Murphy said.
New Jersey also reported 146 new virus-related deaths, bringing the state’s total to 10,985.New Jersey also reported 146 new virus-related deaths, bringing the state’s total to 10,985.
A 24-year-old man drowned in the ocean off Rockaway Beach in Queens on Friday while trying to swim with no lifeguards on duty.A 24-year-old man drowned in the ocean off Rockaway Beach in Queens on Friday while trying to swim with no lifeguards on duty.
Three men were pulled from the water by emergency medical workers, the police said, and one was taken to St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Queens, where he was pronounced dead.Three men were pulled from the water by emergency medical workers, the police said, and one was taken to St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Queens, where he was pronounced dead.
The drowning came on the same day that Mayor Bill de Blasio said that New York City was considering opening its beaches for swimming in June, should the pandemic continue to ebb. (Under a typical summer schedule, lifeguards would not have been working the city’s beaches until Saturday.)The drowning came on the same day that Mayor Bill de Blasio said that New York City was considering opening its beaches for swimming in June, should the pandemic continue to ebb. (Under a typical summer schedule, lifeguards would not have been working the city’s beaches until Saturday.)
Mayor de Blasio offered condolences to the man’s family in a tweet Friday afternoon, and reiterated his calls for people to stay out of the water at city beaches while no lifeguards are on duty.Mayor de Blasio offered condolences to the man’s family in a tweet Friday afternoon, and reiterated his calls for people to stay out of the water at city beaches while no lifeguards are on duty.
The drowning underscored concerns over leaving beaches unattended by lifeguards. Corey Johnson, the New York City Council speaker, said that not having any on duty would create dangerous situations.The drowning underscored concerns over leaving beaches unattended by lifeguards. Corey Johnson, the New York City Council speaker, said that not having any on duty would create dangerous situations.
“I’m not sure it’s realistic to believe that people will not attempt to swim,” Mr. Johnson said, “and we don’t want to be arresting people in the midst of this pandemic.”“I’m not sure it’s realistic to believe that people will not attempt to swim,” Mr. Johnson said, “and we don’t want to be arresting people in the midst of this pandemic.”
City lifeguards have been called into pools for their annual recertification, said Henry Garrido, executive director of the lifeguards’ union, District Council 37. “They’re being trained to get ready to open the beach early in June,” Mr. Garrido said.City lifeguards have been called into pools for their annual recertification, said Henry Garrido, executive director of the lifeguards’ union, District Council 37. “They’re being trained to get ready to open the beach early in June,” Mr. Garrido said.
Mayor de Blasio declined to give a reopening date at his briefing Friday morning, but a spokeswoman for him said the lifeguard training was in anticipation of a possible June reopening.Mayor de Blasio declined to give a reopening date at his briefing Friday morning, but a spokeswoman for him said the lifeguard training was in anticipation of a possible June reopening.
On Friday evening, the mayor’s spokeswoman softened her original comments, saying that it was “too premature to assume, June but we’re preparing to open as soon as the indicators allow.”On Friday evening, the mayor’s spokeswoman softened her original comments, saying that it was “too premature to assume, June but we’re preparing to open as soon as the indicators allow.”
The city traditionally opens its beaches for wading and swimming on Memorial Day weekend. But this year, the ocean had been declared off limits, with crowds on the sand also sharply restricted.The city traditionally opens its beaches for wading and swimming on Memorial Day weekend. But this year, the ocean had been declared off limits, with crowds on the sand also sharply restricted.
Mr. de Blasio has warned New Yorkers not to take mass transit to the beach and said that for now, beaches are intended only for those who live near them.Mr. de Blasio has warned New Yorkers not to take mass transit to the beach and said that for now, beaches are intended only for those who live near them.
New York City’s neighbors are taking a different approach. Most beaches on Long Island and in New Jersey are open this weekend, including for swimming, though social distancing rules will be in effect everywhere.New York City’s neighbors are taking a different approach. Most beaches on Long Island and in New Jersey are open this weekend, including for swimming, though social distancing rules will be in effect everywhere.
Officials in those places fear a flood of New York City residents eager to access the water, and some are imposing restrictions to keep outsiders away.Officials in those places fear a flood of New York City residents eager to access the water, and some are imposing restrictions to keep outsiders away.
Friday morning at 7:15, the doors opened at Aliya Institute, a synagogue in the Hasidic stronghold of Crown Heights, Brooklyn.Friday morning at 7:15, the doors opened at Aliya Institute, a synagogue in the Hasidic stronghold of Crown Heights, Brooklyn.
Exactly 10 men filed in — no more, by order of the governor, and no fewer, by order of a higher power. And the morning prayer known as Shachrit began.Exactly 10 men filed in — no more, by order of the governor, and no fewer, by order of a higher power. And the morning prayer known as Shachrit began.
The synagogue shut down voluntarily on March 10, days ahead of the statewide stay-at-home order, as the virus spread through the community, said Rabbi Moishe Faiglin, who leads the congregation.The synagogue shut down voluntarily on March 10, days ahead of the statewide stay-at-home order, as the virus spread through the community, said Rabbi Moishe Faiglin, who leads the congregation.
On Wednesday, Governor Cuomo declared that religious gatherings of up to 10 people could resume if attendees wore masks and maintained social distance. (Late Friday, he updated that guidance, announcing that any gathering of 10 people was permissible, provided individuals used masks and social distancing.)On Wednesday, Governor Cuomo declared that religious gatherings of up to 10 people could resume if attendees wore masks and maintained social distance. (Late Friday, he updated that guidance, announcing that any gathering of 10 people was permissible, provided individuals used masks and social distancing.)
The number is significant for Jewish congregations, where a minyan, defined as 10 people over the age of 13, is required for a worship service.The number is significant for Jewish congregations, where a minyan, defined as 10 people over the age of 13, is required for a worship service.
Normally, Schachrit at Aliya draws a crowd of 20 to 30, Rabbi Faiglin said.Normally, Schachrit at Aliya draws a crowd of 20 to 30, Rabbi Faiglin said.
“It was kind of tricky to do the service,” the rabbi said. “To rely on 10 is very difficult because one person always doesn’t show up. Now if you have any more than 10 you have to turn them away. And you don’t want to turn anyone away from synagogue.”“It was kind of tricky to do the service,” the rabbi said. “To rely on 10 is very difficult because one person always doesn’t show up. Now if you have any more than 10 you have to turn them away. And you don’t want to turn anyone away from synagogue.”
For the congregation of about 35 families, lockdown has been a stressful time.For the congregation of about 35 families, lockdown has been a stressful time.
“It’s been a breath of fresh air that we’ve even been able to come out of our houses,” he said. “Some people have been praying in their kitchen with six to 10 kids around them at the same time. This is a huge relief.”“It’s been a breath of fresh air that we’ve even been able to come out of our houses,” he said. “Some people have been praying in their kitchen with six to 10 kids around them at the same time. This is a huge relief.”
In Hasidic synagogues, women pray in a separate room from the men. Women will not be able to return to the synagogue until restrictions are lifted further.In Hasidic synagogues, women pray in a separate room from the men. Women will not be able to return to the synagogue until restrictions are lifted further.
Long Island and the suburban counties north of New York City could begin reopening next week if virus-related deaths kept falling and local officials set up strong contact-tracing programs, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Friday.Long Island and the suburban counties north of New York City could begin reopening next week if virus-related deaths kept falling and local officials set up strong contact-tracing programs, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Friday.
Anticipating the trends would hold, Mr. Cuomo said that construction companies could start staging building sites on Friday in both Long Island and the Mid-Hudson region, which includes Westchester and Rockland Counties. Construction cannot resume until the regions are cleared to reopen.Anticipating the trends would hold, Mr. Cuomo said that construction companies could start staging building sites on Friday in both Long Island and the Mid-Hudson region, which includes Westchester and Rockland Counties. Construction cannot resume until the regions are cleared to reopen.
As of Friday, all of the state’s 10 economic regions had started the reopening process except for New York City and the two suburban regions, which have yet to meet seven health-related criteria set by the state.As of Friday, all of the state’s 10 economic regions had started the reopening process except for New York City and the two suburban regions, which have yet to meet seven health-related criteria set by the state.
Both Mr. Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio have said that New York City was unlikely to begin reopening until June. The city has met four of the seven metrics.Both Mr. Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio have said that New York City was unlikely to begin reopening until June. The city has met four of the seven metrics.
It still needs to have at least 30 percent of its hospital beds and intensive-care beds available. As of Friday morning, it had 27 percent of hospital beds and 26 percent of I.C.U. beds available.It still needs to have at least 30 percent of its hospital beds and intensive-care beds available. As of Friday morning, it had 27 percent of hospital beds and 26 percent of I.C.U. beds available.
Mr. de Blasio has pegged the city’s path to reopening on three different but related metrics: the number of new hospital admissions for illness resembling Covid-19, the number of patients in critical care and the percentage of positive coronavirus tests.Mr. de Blasio has pegged the city’s path to reopening on three different but related metrics: the number of new hospital admissions for illness resembling Covid-19, the number of patients in critical care and the percentage of positive coronavirus tests.
Mr. de Blasio said Friday that the city would not reopen until it saw a 10-to-14-day period with under 200 daily hospitalizations, fewer than 375 patients in intensive care in public hospitals, and a positive-test rate under 15 percent.Mr. de Blasio said Friday that the city would not reopen until it saw a 10-to-14-day period with under 200 daily hospitalizations, fewer than 375 patients in intensive care in public hospitals, and a positive-test rate under 15 percent.
The number of those intensive-care patients was still well above the threshold, at 451, Mr. de Blasio said, but the city was meeting the other two criteria.The number of those intensive-care patients was still well above the threshold, at 451, Mr. de Blasio said, but the city was meeting the other two criteria.
Updated May 28, 2020
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.
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.
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.)
More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.
There is an uptick in people reporting symptoms of chilblains, which are painful red or purple lesions that typically appear in the winter on fingers or toes. The lesions are emerging as yet another symptom of infection with the new coronavirus. Chilblains are caused by inflammation in small blood vessels in reaction to cold or damp conditions, but they are usually common in the coldest winter months. Federal health officials do not include toe lesions in the list of coronavirus symptoms, but some dermatologists are pushing for a change, saying so-called Covid toe should be sufficient grounds for testing.
Yes, but make sure you keep six feet of distance between you and people who don’t live in your home. Even if you just hang out in a park, rather than go for a jog or a walk, getting some fresh air, and hopefully sunshine, is a good idea.
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.
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.
Charity Navigator, which evaluates charities using a numbers-based system, has a running list of nonprofits working in communities affected by the outbreak. You can give blood through the American Red Cross, and World Central Kitchen has stepped in to distribute meals in major cities.
Both city and state officials have said that their metrics were likely to go hand in hand, and that they would coordinate their decisions on reopening. But on Friday, Mr. Cuomo suggested that the state’s guidelines took precedence.Both city and state officials have said that their metrics were likely to go hand in hand, and that they would coordinate their decisions on reopening. But on Friday, Mr. Cuomo suggested that the state’s guidelines took precedence.
“It’s not up to the local officials,” Mr. Cuomo said of reopening. “It’s a statewide decision across the board.”“It’s not up to the local officials,” Mr. Cuomo said of reopening. “It’s a statewide decision across the board.”
Mr. Cuomo also announced 109 new virus-related deaths in the state, marking a fifth straight day that fatalities were just above 100.Mr. Cuomo also announced 109 new virus-related deaths in the state, marking a fifth straight day that fatalities were just above 100.
When Iesha Sekou began passing out surgical masks and disposable gloves in Harlem early in the pandemic, some people laughed and said she was taking things too far. For many, it was an unfamiliar role for Ms. Sekou, the founder of a nonprofit that usually works to prevent gang violence.When Iesha Sekou began passing out surgical masks and disposable gloves in Harlem early in the pandemic, some people laughed and said she was taking things too far. For many, it was an unfamiliar role for Ms. Sekou, the founder of a nonprofit that usually works to prevent gang violence.
But as deaths from the virus mounted in predominantly black neighborhoods like the one where Ms. Sekou’s group operates, people started chasing her and her workers down the street to get supplies, she said.But as deaths from the virus mounted in predominantly black neighborhoods like the one where Ms. Sekou’s group operates, people started chasing her and her workers down the street to get supplies, she said.
Even young skeptics who “had their little theories” about the virus dropped their resistance after Ms. Sekou and her volunteers warned them that they might get infected and unwittingly pass the disease along to their grandmothers.Even young skeptics who “had their little theories” about the virus dropped their resistance after Ms. Sekou and her volunteers warned them that they might get infected and unwittingly pass the disease along to their grandmothers.
“That’s a soft spot that we were able to hit and get them to know that if you don’t want to do this for you, you don’t like the way it looks, do it for who you live with, whose couch you sleep on,” Ms. Sekou said.“That’s a soft spot that we were able to hit and get them to know that if you don’t want to do this for you, you don’t like the way it looks, do it for who you live with, whose couch you sleep on,” Ms. Sekou said.
People like Ms. Sekou are known as “credible messengers” or “violence interrupters” in their line of work, and city officials say they may be critical to overcoming resistance to social distancing rules in neighborhoods where there is distrust of the authorities.People like Ms. Sekou are known as “credible messengers” or “violence interrupters” in their line of work, and city officials say they may be critical to overcoming resistance to social distancing rules in neighborhoods where there is distrust of the authorities.
Violence prevention groups, like Ms. Sekou’s Street Corner Resources, are part of a broader effort by City Hall to use civilians to encourage people to follow social distancing rules.Violence prevention groups, like Ms. Sekou’s Street Corner Resources, are part of a broader effort by City Hall to use civilians to encourage people to follow social distancing rules.
Mayor Bill de Blasio made that effort a priority after viral videos of heavy-handed arrests in black and Hispanic neighborhoods prompted public outrage and enforcement data showed stark racial disparities in arrests.Mayor Bill de Blasio made that effort a priority after viral videos of heavy-handed arrests in black and Hispanic neighborhoods prompted public outrage and enforcement data showed stark racial disparities in arrests.
New York City will ramp up efforts to fight de facto outdoor parties outside the city’s restaurants and bars, after photos of crowds spread across the internet last weekend, Mayor de Blasio said on Friday.New York City will ramp up efforts to fight de facto outdoor parties outside the city’s restaurants and bars, after photos of crowds spread across the internet last weekend, Mayor de Blasio said on Friday.
“Take out, don’t hang out,” Mr. de Blasio said at his daily news briefing.“Take out, don’t hang out,” Mr. de Blasio said at his daily news briefing.
Bars and restaurants have been closed except for takeout and delivery, and under New York State’s stay-at-home orders, all nonessential gatherings are banned.Bars and restaurants have been closed except for takeout and delivery, and under New York State’s stay-at-home orders, all nonessential gatherings are banned.
But with warm weather arriving and traffic on city streets diminished, residents have been grabbing food and drinks to go and then consuming them outside businesses.But with warm weather arriving and traffic on city streets diminished, residents have been grabbing food and drinks to go and then consuming them outside businesses.
Mr. de Blasio said that the Police Department would increase its presence in neighborhoods where people improperly congregated last weekend.Mr. de Blasio said that the Police Department would increase its presence in neighborhoods where people improperly congregated last weekend.
The city will also provide more open space for pedestrians and cyclists across the five boroughs, closing 13 more miles of streets to traffic on Saturday.The city will also provide more open space for pedestrians and cyclists across the five boroughs, closing 13 more miles of streets to traffic on Saturday.
A Manhattan man lied on applications for more than $20 million dollars in federal coronavirus relief funds, saying they were needed to support hundreds of employees he did not have, federal prosecutors said.A Manhattan man lied on applications for more than $20 million dollars in federal coronavirus relief funds, saying they were needed to support hundreds of employees he did not have, federal prosecutors said.
The man, Muge Ma, 36, a citizen of China, was accused of bank fraud and wire fraud, according to a criminal complaint unsealed Thursday in Federal District Court in Manhattan.The man, Muge Ma, 36, a citizen of China, was accused of bank fraud and wire fraud, according to a criminal complaint unsealed Thursday in Federal District Court in Manhattan.
According to the complaint, Mr. Ma claimed he operated two businesses that paid millions of dollars in wages. One was identified as a “patriotic American firm,” while the other asserted it would “help the country reduce the high unemployment rate caused by the pandemic,” the complaint said.According to the complaint, Mr. Ma claimed he operated two businesses that paid millions of dollars in wages. One was identified as a “patriotic American firm,” while the other asserted it would “help the country reduce the high unemployment rate caused by the pandemic,” the complaint said.
Mr. Ma applied for loans earmarked for small businesses through programs like the Paycheck Protection Program, meant to help companies meet their payroll during the economic crisis caused by the pandemic, the complaint said. But Mr. Ma appeared to be the only employee of either company.Mr. Ma applied for loans earmarked for small businesses through programs like the Paycheck Protection Program, meant to help companies meet their payroll during the economic crisis caused by the pandemic, the complaint said. But Mr. Ma appeared to be the only employee of either company.
“Ma’s alleged attempts to secure funds earmarked for legitimate small businesses in dire financial straits are as audacious as they are callous,” Geoffrey S. Berman, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, said in a statement.“Ma’s alleged attempts to secure funds earmarked for legitimate small businesses in dire financial straits are as audacious as they are callous,” Geoffrey S. Berman, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, said in a statement.
Mr. Ma also falsely claimed his company New York International Capital was working with New York State to acquire Covid-19 test kits and personal protective equipment to respond to the coronavirus pandemic, the complaint said.Mr. Ma also falsely claimed his company New York International Capital was working with New York State to acquire Covid-19 test kits and personal protective equipment to respond to the coronavirus pandemic, the complaint said.
Mr. Ma’s attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment.Mr. Ma’s attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Earlier this month, two New England men were charged with fraud tied to the small business loan program as part of the Justice Department’s effort to prosecute coronavirus-related crimes.Some N.Y.C. beaches may open for swimming in June.Earlier this month, two New England men were charged with fraud tied to the small business loan program as part of the Justice Department’s effort to prosecute coronavirus-related crimes.Some N.Y.C. beaches may open for swimming in June.
New York State is investigating 157 cases of a severe inflammatory syndrome that is linked to the virus and affects children, a 53 percent increase in the past nine days, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Thursday.New York State is investigating 157 cases of a severe inflammatory syndrome that is linked to the virus and affects children, a 53 percent increase in the past nine days, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Thursday.
“The more we look, the more we find it,” Mr. Cuomo said at his daily news briefing. On May 12, the state was investigating 102 cases.“The more we look, the more we find it,” Mr. Cuomo said at his daily news briefing. On May 12, the state was investigating 102 cases.
The condition, which the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has labeled Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, often appears weeks after infection in children who did not experience first-phase virus symptoms.The condition, which the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has labeled Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, often appears weeks after infection in children who did not experience first-phase virus symptoms.
Instead of targeting the lungs as the primary virus infection does, it causes inflammation throughout the body and can severely damage the heart.Instead of targeting the lungs as the primary virus infection does, it causes inflammation throughout the body and can severely damage the heart.
Most the children found to have the illness in New York so far have tested positive for the virus or antibodies to it, Mr. Cuomo said.Most the children found to have the illness in New York so far have tested positive for the virus or antibodies to it, Mr. Cuomo said.
New York City health officials said on Thursday that there were at least 89 cases of the syndrome in the city that met the C.D.C.’s criteria. As of Wednesday, officials were investigating 158 potential cases. Twenty-six did not meet the C.D.C. criteria, and 43 were still being investigated, officials said.New York City health officials said on Thursday that there were at least 89 cases of the syndrome in the city that met the C.D.C.’s criteria. As of Wednesday, officials were investigating 158 potential cases. Twenty-six did not meet the C.D.C. criteria, and 43 were still being investigated, officials said.
As The New York Times follows the spread of the coronavirus across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, we need your help. We want to talk to doctors, nurses, lab technicians, respiratory therapists, emergency services workers, nursing home managers — anyone who can share what’s happening in the region’s hospitals and other health care centers.As The New York Times follows the spread of the coronavirus across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, we need your help. We want to talk to doctors, nurses, lab technicians, respiratory therapists, emergency services workers, nursing home managers — anyone who can share what’s happening in the region’s hospitals and other health care centers.
A reporter or editor may contact you. Your information will not be published without your consent.A reporter or editor may contact you. Your information will not be published without your consent.
Reporting was contributed by Maria Cramer, Michael Gold, Corey Kilgannon, Andy Newman, Joel Petterson, Dana Rubinstein, Luis Ferré Sadurní and Katie Van Syckle.Reporting was contributed by Maria Cramer, Michael Gold, Corey Kilgannon, Andy Newman, Joel Petterson, Dana Rubinstein, Luis Ferré Sadurní and Katie Van Syckle.