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| Jersey Shore Rebellion Erupts Over State’s Slow Reopening | Jersey Shore Rebellion Erupts Over State’s Slow Reopening |
| (about 3 hours later) | |
| Asbury Park, N.J., is Murphy country. | Asbury Park, N.J., is Murphy country. |
| In 2017, the Jersey Shore city, known for its urban flair and seaside charm, voted overwhelmingly in favor of Gov. Philip D. Murphy, a first-term Democrat who lives about 15 miles away. | In 2017, the Jersey Shore city, known for its urban flair and seaside charm, voted overwhelmingly in favor of Gov. Philip D. Murphy, a first-term Democrat who lives about 15 miles away. |
| Mr. Murphy held his election night victory party at Asbury Park’s huge brick Convention Hall. And his fellow Democrats control the diverse, mile-square city of 15,500 residents. | Mr. Murphy held his election night victory party at Asbury Park’s huge brick Convention Hall. And his fellow Democrats control the diverse, mile-square city of 15,500 residents. |
| But that did not stop an insurrection linked to the coronavirus pandemic from brewing on the boardwalk. | But that did not stop an insurrection linked to the coronavirus pandemic from brewing on the boardwalk. |
| Asbury Park’s City Council voted unanimously this week to let restaurants allow limited-capacity indoor dining starting on Monday, flouting Mr. Murphy’s reopening orders. The governor’s phased-in plan permits only outdoor dining to begin. | Asbury Park’s City Council voted unanimously this week to let restaurants allow limited-capacity indoor dining starting on Monday, flouting Mr. Murphy’s reopening orders. The governor’s phased-in plan permits only outdoor dining to begin. |
| On Friday, Mr. Murphy countered, saying the state had taken the unusual step of suing the city to block it from letting its 80 restaurants fully reopen after efforts to “amicably resolve the issue” broke down. | On Friday, Mr. Murphy countered, saying the state had taken the unusual step of suing the city to block it from letting its 80 restaurants fully reopen after efforts to “amicably resolve the issue” broke down. |
| “We have one set of rules,” Mr. Murphy said in announcing the lawsuit. | “We have one set of rules,” Mr. Murphy said in announcing the lawsuit. |
| “There’s no question this virus is more lethal inside than outside,” he added. “There’s a method to what we’re doing here, folks.” | “There’s no question this virus is more lethal inside than outside,” he added. “There’s a method to what we’re doing here, folks.” |
| Hours later, after a judge granted the state’s request, Asbury Park officials reversed course, telling restaurant owners that they could be fined or lose their liquor licenses if they opened for indoor dining on Monday. | Hours later, after a judge granted the state’s request, Asbury Park officials reversed course, telling restaurant owners that they could be fined or lose their liquor licenses if they opened for indoor dining on Monday. |
| But city officials also said in a statement that they hoped the showdown with the governor would force him to quickly set a date for restaurants to reopen fully. | But city officials also said in a statement that they hoped the showdown with the governor would force him to quickly set a date for restaurants to reopen fully. |
| New Jersey has the second-highest number of Covid-19 deaths in the United States and is one of the last states in the country to ease restrictions on indoor dining as it moves to gradually lift a lockdown that was meant to slow the spread of the virus. | New Jersey has the second-highest number of Covid-19 deaths in the United States and is one of the last states in the country to ease restrictions on indoor dining as it moves to gradually lift a lockdown that was meant to slow the spread of the virus. |
| But as the state begins its slow recovery, the restrictions on indoor dining have become a source of intense frustration for restaurants that have been closed for all but takeout orders since the middle of March. | But as the state begins its slow recovery, the restrictions on indoor dining have become a source of intense frustration for restaurants that have been closed for all but takeout orders since the middle of March. |
| Asbury Park’s short-lived act of defiance came as pressure mounted in New Jersey and throughout the country for government officials to more quickly drop coronavirus-related restrictions that have battered the economy. | Asbury Park’s short-lived act of defiance came as pressure mounted in New Jersey and throughout the country for government officials to more quickly drop coronavirus-related restrictions that have battered the economy. |
| Much of the pressure has come from conservatives, fueled by President Trump, who on Wednesday said he would hold a large political rally next week in Oklahoma, his first such event since the pandemic swept across the country. Mr. Murphy and his wife, Tammy, were expected to have dinner on Friday with Mr. Trump at the president’s Bedminster golf club to discuss, in part, New Jersey’s reopening plans. | Much of the pressure has come from conservatives, fueled by President Trump, who on Wednesday said he would hold a large political rally next week in Oklahoma, his first such event since the pandemic swept across the country. Mr. Murphy and his wife, Tammy, were expected to have dinner on Friday with Mr. Trump at the president’s Bedminster golf club to discuss, in part, New Jersey’s reopening plans. |
| Last month, protesters in Texas and Michigan brandished guns while demanding a speedier reopening. A gym in South Jersey briefly reopened to publicly protest the state’s restrictions, as did a movie theater in Atlantic County that closed last week after facing what it called an “onslaught of citations.” | Last month, protesters in Texas and Michigan brandished guns while demanding a speedier reopening. A gym in South Jersey briefly reopened to publicly protest the state’s restrictions, as did a movie theater in Atlantic County that closed last week after facing what it called an “onslaught of citations.” |
| On Thursday, the mayor of Wayne, N.J., a Republican, set up a showdown with state officials by saying the township’s high schools would hold outdoor graduation ceremonies next week, three weeks ahead of a schedule that Mr. Murphy set for such ceremonies. The mayor, Christopher P. Vergano, did not return calls seeking comment. | On Thursday, the mayor of Wayne, N.J., a Republican, set up a showdown with state officials by saying the township’s high schools would hold outdoor graduation ceremonies next week, three weeks ahead of a schedule that Mr. Murphy set for such ceremonies. The mayor, Christopher P. Vergano, did not return calls seeking comment. |
| Amy Quinn, Asbury Park’s deputy mayor, said the vote on Wednesday to allow indoor dining came after relentless complaints from small-business owners. | Amy Quinn, Asbury Park’s deputy mayor, said the vote on Wednesday to allow indoor dining came after relentless complaints from small-business owners. |
| She said that the city could no longer ignore the economic hardship that independently operated restaurants were facing, particularly when other retail establishments had been granted permission to begin to reopen. | She said that the city could no longer ignore the economic hardship that independently operated restaurants were facing, particularly when other retail establishments had been granted permission to begin to reopen. |
| “These aren’t big chains,” Ms. Quinn said. “They’ve poured their life savings into these restaurants. It’s heartbreaking. We felt like we needed to take a stand.” | “These aren’t big chains,” Ms. Quinn said. “They’ve poured their life savings into these restaurants. It’s heartbreaking. We felt like we needed to take a stand.” |
| Under Mr. Murphy’s plan, retail shops, nail and hair salons, tattoo parlors and houses of worship are scheduled to reopen soon at limited capacity. Schools may hold in-person summer school classes, and public pools can allow swimming. | Under Mr. Murphy’s plan, retail shops, nail and hair salons, tattoo parlors and houses of worship are scheduled to reopen soon at limited capacity. Schools may hold in-person summer school classes, and public pools can allow swimming. |
| But the governor has remained insistent that it was “too soon” for indoor dining, drawing a distinction between sedentary indoor activities and outdoor events. | But the governor has remained insistent that it was “too soon” for indoor dining, drawing a distinction between sedentary indoor activities and outdoor events. |
| For restaurant owners, the long weeks without customers have exacted a staggering financial toll. | For restaurant owners, the long weeks without customers have exacted a staggering financial toll. |
| “We’re crippled as an industry,” said Marilyn Schlossbach, the owner of Langosta Lounge, a restaurant and bar on the Asbury Park boardwalk. “Especially in these shore towns where every day is huge dollars that we’re losing.” | “We’re crippled as an industry,” said Marilyn Schlossbach, the owner of Langosta Lounge, a restaurant and bar on the Asbury Park boardwalk. “Especially in these shore towns where every day is huge dollars that we’re losing.” |
| There are also logistical problems inherent in opening only outside seating, said Ms. Schlossbach, the chairwoman of the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association. If, for example, it started to rain or get windy, she said, diners would have nowhere to go. | There are also logistical problems inherent in opening only outside seating, said Ms. Schlossbach, the chairwoman of the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association. If, for example, it started to rain or get windy, she said, diners would have nowhere to go. |
| The rigid cleanliness protocols already required at restaurants make them uniquely prepared to handle the added threat of the virus, she said. | The rigid cleanliness protocols already required at restaurants make them uniquely prepared to handle the added threat of the virus, she said. |
| Updated June 16, 2020 | Updated June 16, 2020 |
| The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. | |
| The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. | 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. |
| “If I can go to the supermarket and Home Depot and there’s 100 people in there shopping and walking all over the place, why can’t I go to a restaurant?” said Ms. Schlossbach, who owns two other Jersey Shore restaurants, which she said were dependent on the 12-week summer season for survival. | “If I can go to the supermarket and Home Depot and there’s 100 people in there shopping and walking all over the place, why can’t I go to a restaurant?” said Ms. Schlossbach, who owns two other Jersey Shore restaurants, which she said were dependent on the 12-week summer season for survival. |
| “If you don’t feel safe,” she said, “don't go out to eat.” | “If you don’t feel safe,” she said, “don't go out to eat.” |
| A poll conducted last month by Rutgers’ Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling found that two-thirds of New Jersey’s residents were satisfied with the pace of reopening. | A poll conducted last month by Rutgers’ Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling found that two-thirds of New Jersey’s residents were satisfied with the pace of reopening. |
| Attitudes along the Jersey Shore, where voters tend to be more conservative, were slightly less favorable, said Ashley Koning, the director of the polling institute. | Attitudes along the Jersey Shore, where voters tend to be more conservative, were slightly less favorable, said Ashley Koning, the director of the polling institute. |
| “I don’t think that it’s a surprise here that we see this tug of war,” she said. “Obviously this is their prime season.” | “I don’t think that it’s a surprise here that we see this tug of war,” she said. “Obviously this is their prime season.” |
| Amy Russo, the owner of Toast, a breakfast and brunch restaurant in downtown Asbury Park, called the state’s reopening plan “arbitrary” and “illogical.” | Amy Russo, the owner of Toast, a breakfast and brunch restaurant in downtown Asbury Park, called the state’s reopening plan “arbitrary” and “illogical.” |
| “I respect the disease,” she said. “It’s real. I’m not discounting it. But what he is allowing to open versus what he’s not allowing to open makes no sense.” | “I respect the disease,” she said. “It’s real. I’m not discounting it. But what he is allowing to open versus what he’s not allowing to open makes no sense.” |
| John Farmer Jr., the director of the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University and a former New Jersey attorney general, noted the continuing threat posed by the virus, which has killed at least 12,489 state residents. | John Farmer Jr., the director of the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University and a former New Jersey attorney general, noted the continuing threat posed by the virus, which has killed at least 12,489 state residents. |
| He said the governor had no choice but to take legal action to quell Asbury Park’s open rebellion. | He said the governor had no choice but to take legal action to quell Asbury Park’s open rebellion. |
| “If they allowed that to go forward without an injunction,” Mr. Farmer said, “it would absolutely open the floodgates and show he’s not serious about these orders.” | “If they allowed that to go forward without an injunction,” Mr. Farmer said, “it would absolutely open the floodgates and show he’s not serious about these orders.” |