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N.Y. Reports Fewer Than 100 Virus Deaths for First Time Since March N.Y. Reports Fewer Than 100 Virus Deaths for First Time Since March
(1 day later)
[This briefing has ended. For the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak in the New York area, read Sunday’s live coverage.][This briefing has ended. For the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak in the New York area, read Sunday’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.
“No one should interpret this as advice to change their behavior,” he added.“No one should interpret this as advice to change their behavior,” he added.
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.
At his daily briefing on Saturday, Mr. Cuomo said he had not been aware of the civil liberties union’s lawsuit. He told residents to continue to practice social distancing and other safety measures at any get-together. “You can have a safe gathering of 10 people,” he said.At his daily briefing on Saturday, Mr. Cuomo said he had not been aware of the civil liberties union’s lawsuit. He told residents to continue to practice social distancing and other safety measures at any get-together. “You can have a safe gathering of 10 people,” he said.
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.
The number of statewide casualties of the coronavirus dipped below 100 for the first time since late March, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced Saturday. The governor reported 84 new deaths of the virus, the lowest daily death toll since March 24.The number of statewide casualties of the coronavirus dipped below 100 for the first time since late March, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced Saturday. The governor reported 84 new deaths of the virus, the lowest daily death toll since March 24.
While Mr. Cuomo called the number of new casualties on Saturday “a tragedy, no doubt,” he said he could not ignore that the downward trend was a positive sign as New York slowly returns to normalcy.While Mr. Cuomo called the number of new casualties on Saturday “a tragedy, no doubt,” he said he could not ignore that the downward trend was a positive sign as New York slowly returns to normalcy.
“The fact that it is down as low as it is, is really overall good news,” Mr. Cuomo said. “In my head, I was always looking to get under 100. For me, it’s just a sign that we are making real progress.”“The fact that it is down as low as it is, is really overall good news,” Mr. Cuomo said. “In my head, I was always looking to get under 100. For me, it’s just a sign that we are making real progress.”
During the peak of the outbreak, when 800 people a day were dying from the disease, a death toll below 100 felt like a faraway milestone, Mr. Cuomo said. “If you can get under 100, you can breathe a sigh of relief,” he said, recalling a conversation he had with a physician at the time. “Getting below 100 was almost impossible.”During the peak of the outbreak, when 800 people a day were dying from the disease, a death toll below 100 felt like a faraway milestone, Mr. Cuomo said. “If you can get under 100, you can breathe a sigh of relief,” he said, recalling a conversation he had with a physician at the time. “Getting below 100 was almost impossible.”
The number of hospitalizations, intubations and overall new cases also continued to see a steady decline, Mr. Cuomo said during his daily briefing from the governor’s mansion in Albany.The number of hospitalizations, intubations and overall new cases also continued to see a steady decline, Mr. Cuomo said during his daily briefing from the governor’s mansion in Albany.
“What we are doing is working,” Mr. Cuomo said.“What we are doing is working,” Mr. Cuomo said.
As the number of cases and deaths decline, Mr. Cuomo looked ahead to opening new parts of the state. The Mid-Hudson region will enter Phase 1 of the state’s reopening plan on Tuesday, Mr. Cuomo said, and the Long Island region could do the same on Wednesday.As the number of cases and deaths decline, Mr. Cuomo looked ahead to opening new parts of the state. The Mid-Hudson region will enter Phase 1 of the state’s reopening plan on Tuesday, Mr. Cuomo said, and the Long Island region could do the same on Wednesday.
Seven of the state’s 10 regions have already entered Phase 1, allowing some nonessential businesses to reopen after meeting health and safety standards outlined by the state.Seven of the state’s 10 regions have already entered Phase 1, allowing some nonessential businesses to reopen after meeting health and safety standards outlined by the state.
But New York City and nearby suburbs have yet to meet many of the criteria mandated by the state and will remain largely on “pause,” preventing people from going back to work and gathering in large crowds.But New York City and nearby suburbs have yet to meet many of the criteria mandated by the state and will remain largely on “pause,” preventing people from going back to work and gathering in large crowds.
Other coronavirus statistics from the governor on Saturday:Other coronavirus statistics from the governor on Saturday:
Total Hospitalizations: 4,642 (a decline of 202 from the day before)Total Hospitalizations: 4,642 (a decline of 202 from the day before)
New hospitalizations: 208 (a decline of 17)New hospitalizations: 208 (a decline of 17)
Number of deaths: 84 (a decline of 25); 62 died in hospitals and 22 in nursing homes.Number of deaths: 84 (a decline of 25); 62 died in hospitals and 22 in nursing homes.
Surprise Lake Camp, one of the country’s oldest Jewish summer camps, told families on Monday that it would not be opening this year because of worries over the coronavirus.Surprise Lake Camp, one of the country’s oldest Jewish summer camps, told families on Monday that it would not be opening this year because of worries over the coronavirus.
Surprise Lake joins many camps across the region and the country that have already decided to close this summer, even before some governors, including those in New York and New Jersey, have announced if they would be allowed to operate.Surprise Lake joins many camps across the region and the country that have already decided to close this summer, even before some governors, including those in New York and New Jersey, have announced if they would be allowed to operate.
But with summer camp a ritual for many children and a lifeline for working parents, other camps are still hoping that they will be able to welcome children.But with summer camp a ritual for many children and a lifeline for working parents, other camps are still hoping that they will be able to welcome children.
Directors believe they can keep campers and staff safe by taking steps like limiting the number of children, restricting interaction with outsiders, frequent disinfection and screening for the virus on arrival.Directors believe they can keep campers and staff safe by taking steps like limiting the number of children, restricting interaction with outsiders, frequent disinfection and screening for the virus on arrival.
“People want camp,” said Howard Salzberg, the director of Camp Modin in Maine, where the governor is allowing sleepaway camps to open.“People want camp,” said Howard Salzberg, the director of Camp Modin in Maine, where the governor is allowing sleepaway camps to open.
The American Camp Association of New York and New Jersey estimated on Tuesday that at least 45 of its 400 member camps had canceled, with more doing so daily.The American Camp Association of New York and New Jersey estimated on Tuesday that at least 45 of its 400 member camps had canceled, with more doing so daily.
For some families, the risk is worth it.For some families, the risk is worth it.
“I’m going to send my kids to any and all camps that open,” said Kim Marcus, who lives in Woodbury, N.Y., and hopes her two daughters, ages 12 and 10, can still go to overnight camp, and her 7-year-old to day camp.“I’m going to send my kids to any and all camps that open,” said Kim Marcus, who lives in Woodbury, N.Y., and hopes her two daughters, ages 12 and 10, can still go to overnight camp, and her 7-year-old to day camp.
Just in time for Memorial Day weekend, Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey said 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 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.
Updated June 1, 2020 Updated June 2, 2020
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.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.
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.
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.)
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.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.
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.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.
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.
“If you were looking forward to gathering with your neighbors for a Memorial Day cookout, you may do so,” Mr. Murphy said.“If you were looking forward to gathering with your neighbors for a Memorial Day cookout, you may do so,” 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.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.
On Saturday, Mr. Murphy announced on Twitter that the state had 96 new deaths connected to the coronavirus, bringing the number of total fatalities to 11,081.On Saturday, Mr. Murphy announced on Twitter that the state had 96 new deaths connected to the coronavirus, bringing the number of total fatalities to 11,081.
The state had 443 new confirmed cases of Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, the governor said. And more than 153,104 people in New Jersey had contracted the virus as of Saturday.The state had 443 new confirmed cases of Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, the governor said. And more than 153,104 people in New Jersey had contracted the virus as of Saturday.
Other numbers reported by the governor:Other numbers reported by the governor:
Hospitalizations: 2,974Hospitalizations: 2,974
Patients in critical or intensive care: 806Patients in critical or intensive care: 806
Patients on ventilators: 611Patients on ventilators: 611
Not long ago, the main public health threat facing people living in and around the Baisley Park Houses complex in South Jamaica, Queens, was one that had taken too many young lives: gangs armed with guns.Not long ago, the main public health threat facing people living in and around the Baisley Park Houses complex in South Jamaica, Queens, was one that had taken too many young lives: gangs armed with guns.
When a 14-year-old shooting baskets was killed accidentally in October by a bullet fired in a gang dispute, the death galvanized the neighborhood to take action. Community leaders negotiated a cease-fire and shootings had dropped significantly by earlier this year.When a 14-year-old shooting baskets was killed accidentally in October by a bullet fired in a gang dispute, the death galvanized the neighborhood to take action. Community leaders negotiated a cease-fire and shootings had dropped significantly by earlier this year.
Now, the area faces an even greater crisis as the coronavirus spreads through the Baisley Park development’s brick high-rises and down the nearby blocks of blue-collar homes. This time, those being taken to hospitals and graves are mostly older residents with little or no connection to gun violence, residents and officials said.Now, the area faces an even greater crisis as the coronavirus spreads through the Baisley Park development’s brick high-rises and down the nearby blocks of blue-collar homes. This time, those being taken to hospitals and graves are mostly older residents with little or no connection to gun violence, residents and officials said.
“We had just managed to bring shootings down,” said Erica Ford, who founded a nonprofit group that tries to stem street violence. “Then the virus made its way here.”“We had just managed to bring shootings down,” said Erica Ford, who founded a nonprofit group that tries to stem street violence. “Then the virus made its way here.”
It is a predominantly black area, and during the peak of the crisis, in early April, nearly 70 percent of the residents of the ZIP code that covers it who were tested for the virus tested positive, according to city Health Department data. At least 144 people from the ZIP code have died.It is a predominantly black area, and during the peak of the crisis, in early April, nearly 70 percent of the residents of the ZIP code that covers it who were tested for the virus tested positive, according to city Health Department data. At least 144 people from the ZIP code have died.
Before the outbreak reached its peak in the city, killing more than 800 people a day, it was already ravaging low-income neighborhoods, many of them anchored by public housing developments and burdened by high rates of poverty and crime.Before the outbreak reached its peak in the city, killing more than 800 people a day, it was already ravaging low-income neighborhoods, many of them anchored by public housing developments and burdened by high rates of poverty and crime.
Sept Jones, a funeral director in the area, said he would typically retrieve two or three bodies a day from local homes before the pandemic. By mid-April, he said, the number was in the double digits.Sept Jones, a funeral director in the area, said he would typically retrieve two or three bodies a day from local homes before the pandemic. By mid-April, he said, the number was in the double digits.
“I actually had to shut down my phone,” Mr. Jones said. “There were too many bodies to pick up.”“I actually had to shut down my phone,” Mr. Jones said. “There were too many bodies to pick up.”
The coronavirus outbreak has brought much of life in New York to a halt and there is no clear end in sight. But there are also moments that offer a sliver of strength, hope, humor or some other type of relief: a joke from a stranger on line at the supermarket; a favor from a friend down the block; a great meal ordered from a restaurant we want to survive; trivia night via Zoom with the bar down the street.The coronavirus outbreak has brought much of life in New York to a halt and there is no clear end in sight. But there are also moments that offer a sliver of strength, hope, humor or some other type of relief: a joke from a stranger on line at the supermarket; a favor from a friend down the block; a great meal ordered from a restaurant we want to survive; trivia night via Zoom with the bar down the street.
We’d like to hear about your moments, the ones that are helping you through these dark times. A reporter or editor may contact you. Your information will not be published without your consent.We’d like to hear about your moments, the ones that are helping you through these dark times. A reporter or editor may contact you. Your information will not be published without your consent.
Reporting was contributed by Maria Cramer, Michael Gold, Sharon Otterman, Luis Ferré Sadurní, Edgar Sandoval and Matt Stevens.Reporting was contributed by Maria Cramer, Michael Gold, Sharon Otterman, Luis Ferré Sadurní, Edgar Sandoval and Matt Stevens.