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| In N.Y.C., Haircuts and Outdoor Dining as Soon as Monday | |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| [Want to get New York Today by email? Here’s the sign-up.] | [Want to get New York Today by email? Here’s the sign-up.] |
| It’s Thursday. Governor Cuomo is ending his daily news briefings. Your last chance to screen-shot his slides is tomorrow. | It’s Thursday. Governor Cuomo is ending his daily news briefings. Your last chance to screen-shot his slides is tomorrow. |
| Weather: Patchy fog early, then watch out for afternoon thunderstorms. High in the mid- to upper 70s. | Weather: Patchy fog early, then watch out for afternoon thunderstorms. High in the mid- to upper 70s. |
| Alternate-side parking: Suspended through Sunday. | Alternate-side parking: Suspended through Sunday. |
| [Latest updates: New York City is set to enter Phase 2 of reopening on Monday, Mayor Bill de Blasio confirmed on Thursday.] | |
| After months of eating meals in and growing hair out, New Yorkers may be able to dine outdoors and visit a barbershop as early as next week. | After months of eating meals in and growing hair out, New Yorkers may be able to dine outdoors and visit a barbershop as early as next week. |
| New York City is “on track” to enter Phase 2 of the state’s four-phase reopening plan on Monday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said at his daily news briefing on Wednesday, soon after Mayor Bill de Blasio expressed some reservations at his own briefing. | New York City is “on track” to enter Phase 2 of the state’s four-phase reopening plan on Monday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said at his daily news briefing on Wednesday, soon after Mayor Bill de Blasio expressed some reservations at his own briefing. |
| Phase 2 eases several restrictions meant to help slow the coronavirus outbreak: It allows outdoor dining at restaurants and bars, and some in-store shopping. Hair salons, barbershops and some offices can also reopen if they enforce social-distancing rules. | Phase 2 eases several restrictions meant to help slow the coronavirus outbreak: It allows outdoor dining at restaurants and bars, and some in-store shopping. Hair salons, barbershops and some offices can also reopen if they enforce social-distancing rules. |
| Mr. Cuomo emphasized the need for New Yorkers to continue to wear masks and maintain social distancing to prevent a spike in new coronavirus infections. The city, once the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in the United States, has recorded a sharp decline in cases; other states, like Arizona, Florida and Texas, are grappling with large increases. | Mr. Cuomo emphasized the need for New Yorkers to continue to wear masks and maintain social distancing to prevent a spike in new coronavirus infections. The city, once the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in the United States, has recorded a sharp decline in cases; other states, like Arizona, Florida and Texas, are grappling with large increases. |
| “You don’t stay smart, it will come back,” Mr. Cuomo said. Earlier this week, the governor threatened to bring back closures after videos and photos of New Yorkers flocking to Manhattan bars spread online. | “You don’t stay smart, it will come back,” Mr. Cuomo said. Earlier this week, the governor threatened to bring back closures after videos and photos of New Yorkers flocking to Manhattan bars spread online. |
| [The governor says New York City is on track to ease more virus restrictions.] | [The governor says New York City is on track to ease more virus restrictions.] |
| Mr. de Blasio on Wednesday repeated his concerns about the virus spreading as people continued to gather in large groups, including during the protests against systemic racism and police brutality. | Mr. de Blasio on Wednesday repeated his concerns about the virus spreading as people continued to gather in large groups, including during the protests against systemic racism and police brutality. |
| He had previously said he did not expect the city to enter Phase 2 until July. | He had previously said he did not expect the city to enter Phase 2 until July. |
| “We’re all mindful that we had a very unusual situation with the protests,” the mayor said. “And we’re going to see, we believe, the fuller impact, if any, of the protests, in terms of our health indicators around this weekend.” | “We’re all mindful that we had a very unusual situation with the protests,” the mayor said. “And we’re going to see, we believe, the fuller impact, if any, of the protests, in terms of our health indicators around this weekend.” |
| If the data over the weekend shows a spike in cases, the city could delay the further reopening. Freddi Goldstein, a spokeswoman for the mayor, said City Hall and the governor’s office were “all on the same page.” | If the data over the weekend shows a spike in cases, the city could delay the further reopening. Freddi Goldstein, a spokeswoman for the mayor, said City Hall and the governor’s office were “all on the same page.” |
| “The mayor has wanted to leave the possibility open that we might see something we don’t like, and then we would have to consider moving to Phase 2 later than originally planned,” she said. “But from what we see now, everything looks good.” | “The mayor has wanted to leave the possibility open that we might see something we don’t like, and then we would have to consider moving to Phase 2 later than originally planned,” she said. “But from what we see now, everything looks good.” |
| In other virus-related news: | In other virus-related news: |
| New Yorkers are stretching social-distancing rules. Parents are hoisting their children over closed playground fences, customers are browsing clothing stores and meals are being eaten right outside restaurants. | New Yorkers are stretching social-distancing rules. Parents are hoisting their children over closed playground fences, customers are browsing clothing stores and meals are being eaten right outside restaurants. |
| The coronavirus, of course, has not left the city, but many people say they are tired of waiting to return to their normal routines. | The coronavirus, of course, has not left the city, but many people say they are tired of waiting to return to their normal routines. |
| “We made it! That’s what I say,” said Alba Cuba, 66, as she drank beer with her sisters at Coney Island. | “We made it! That’s what I say,” said Alba Cuba, 66, as she drank beer with her sisters at Coney Island. |
| New York’s slow and strict approach to combating the pandemic was aimed at helping decrease new cases and daily deaths. But the rules haven’t been enforced much in recent days. | New York’s slow and strict approach to combating the pandemic was aimed at helping decrease new cases and daily deaths. But the rules haven’t been enforced much in recent days. |
| [Read more about the rule-bending.] | [Read more about the rule-bending.] |
| Some of New York’s sickest virus patients are recovering slowly. After 15 days on a ventilator, Charlie Blueweiss, 33, was left with a sore on his cheek, pain in his right foot and hands too swollen to open his phone. Doctors consider patients like Mr. Blueweiss to be the lucky ones. | Some of New York’s sickest virus patients are recovering slowly. After 15 days on a ventilator, Charlie Blueweiss, 33, was left with a sore on his cheek, pain in his right foot and hands too swollen to open his phone. Doctors consider patients like Mr. Blueweiss to be the lucky ones. |
| At NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center in Manhattan, a former psychiatric ward has been turned into a Covid-19 recovery unit, and my colleague Joseph Goldstein reported on how patients there recover after unusually long stays in the intensive care unit. | At NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center in Manhattan, a former psychiatric ward has been turned into a Covid-19 recovery unit, and my colleague Joseph Goldstein reported on how patients there recover after unusually long stays in the intensive care unit. |
| [Read more about Mr. Blueweiss’s month at the recovery unit.] | [Read more about Mr. Blueweiss’s month at the recovery unit.] |
| N.Y.C., Facing Pandemic Fallout, Freezes Rent for 2 Million Tenants for a Year | N.Y.C., Facing Pandemic Fallout, Freezes Rent for 2 Million Tenants for a Year |
| Under Pressure on Policing, N.Y.C. Mayor Toughens Discipline | Under Pressure on Policing, N.Y.C. Mayor Toughens Discipline |
| ‘It Felt Like Warfare’: Protesters Say the Police Attacked Them | ‘It Felt Like Warfare’: Protesters Say the Police Attacked Them |
| Elite N.Y.C. Girls’ Schools Have a Racist Culture, Black Alumni Say | Elite N.Y.C. Girls’ Schools Have a Racist Culture, Black Alumni Say |
| Top Democrats Are Trying to Stop This Man From Becoming the Next A.O.C. | Top Democrats Are Trying to Stop This Man From Becoming the Next A.O.C. |
| Want more news? Check out our full coverage. | Want more news? Check out our full coverage. |
| The Mini Crossword: Here is today’s puzzle. | The Mini Crossword: Here is today’s puzzle. |
| 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 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. |
| Why are police cruisers playing ice cream truck jingles? [Atlas Obscura] | Why are police cruisers playing ice cream truck jingles? [Atlas Obscura] |
| Traffic declined during the pandemic, but drag racing complaints picked up. [Gothamist] | Traffic declined during the pandemic, but drag racing complaints picked up. [Gothamist] |
| A dead man was found in the back seat of a parked S.U.V. in Queens, the police said. [New York Post] | A dead man was found in the back seat of a parked S.U.V. in Queens, the police said. [New York Post] |
| The Times’s Daniel E. Slotnik writes: | The Times’s Daniel E. Slotnik writes: |
| Nearly bare grocery shelves were a common sight in March and April, when the coronavirus shuttered much of New York City. That has changed in recent weeks: People can usually find toilet paper again, but many still can’t buy everything they want. | Nearly bare grocery shelves were a common sight in March and April, when the coronavirus shuttered much of New York City. That has changed in recent weeks: People can usually find toilet paper again, but many still can’t buy everything they want. |
| To make up for breaks in the supply chain, grocers say, they are sometimes turning to different suppliers and new varieties of certain goods, like frozen vegetables and sugary snacks. | To make up for breaks in the supply chain, grocers say, they are sometimes turning to different suppliers and new varieties of certain goods, like frozen vegetables and sugary snacks. |
| Stephen Corradini, the chief merchandising and marketing officer for Balducci’s and Kings Food Markets, said that he helped replenish his stores’ meat reserves by selling expensive Wagyu beef that he typically offers only around the winter holidays. He also said that Oreos, which vanished from shelves when the pandemic began, had returned, but that only six or so of the many varieties were widely available. | Stephen Corradini, the chief merchandising and marketing officer for Balducci’s and Kings Food Markets, said that he helped replenish his stores’ meat reserves by selling expensive Wagyu beef that he typically offers only around the winter holidays. He also said that Oreos, which vanished from shelves when the pandemic began, had returned, but that only six or so of the many varieties were widely available. |
| Mr. Corradini thought the limited options could be attributed to the cookie maker’s need to meet demand. “When their plants are straining to keep up, they focus on the core versions” of their products, he explained. | Mr. Corradini thought the limited options could be attributed to the cookie maker’s need to meet demand. “When their plants are straining to keep up, they focus on the core versions” of their products, he explained. |
| If you live in the New York area, what changes are you seeing at your supermarket, pharmacy or bodega? What brands, varieties or meat cuts are you unable to find right now? Email to let us know. | If you live in the New York area, what changes are you seeing at your supermarket, pharmacy or bodega? What brands, varieties or meat cuts are you unable to find right now? Email to let us know. |
| It’s Thursday — share your thoughts. | It’s Thursday — share your thoughts. |
| Dear Diary: | Dear Diary: |
| I was waiting to pick up a prescription at a CVS store on University Place when I witnessed the following: | I was waiting to pick up a prescription at a CVS store on University Place when I witnessed the following: |
| An older woman held a bottle of turmeric capsules up in the direction of the pharmacist, who was busily filling prescriptions. | An older woman held a bottle of turmeric capsules up in the direction of the pharmacist, who was busily filling prescriptions. |
| “Should I take these?” the woman asked. | “Should I take these?” the woman asked. |
| “It depends,” the pharmacist said. | “It depends,” the pharmacist said. |
| “What are they good for?” | “What are they good for?” |
| “Pain and inflammation.” | “Pain and inflammation.” |
| “I don’t have pain and inflammation.” | “I don’t have pain and inflammation.” |
| “Then why would you want to take them?” | “Then why would you want to take them?” |
| “They’re on sale.” | “They’re on sale.” |
| — Bill Herbst | — Bill Herbst |
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