The COVID-19 Beat

It appears New York City and state are at or near the peak of the coronavirus outbreak. Even as the death toll continues to rise by a shocking amount every day, other indicators are flattening. Gov. Cuomo is cautiously discussing how to restart the state's economy and Mayor de Blasio is tentatively talking about relaxing some social-distancing rules.

The move back to "normal" might start soon. But the COVID-19 story is far from over.

Evidence suggests that new infections are continuing, just at a slower pace. Thousands are still desperately ill and millions are out of work. Communities are struggling to absorb deaths. Businesses are teetering on the brink of closure as governments struggle to avoid fiscal crises. People who got really sick but have recovered have must now put their lives back on track.

Meanwhile, officials are facing scrutiny for their handling of the crisis. And a question will eventually be raised: Is another disease headed our way—in a year or in a decade—with the same potential to upend the world?

Each of those issues cries out for comprehensive, nuanced coverage, with a focus on how the most vulnerable in our city are faring. That's what City Limits has been producing throughout this crisis, and that's what we will deliver in the future. With the support of Report for America, we have brought on a full-time COVID-19 reporter. But we need your help to fund her work.

Hopefully, City Limits' staff will soon celebrate freedom from this period of isolation--and then get right back to work on this sprawling, vitally important story.

Stay healthy and hopeful,
Jarrett Murphy, executive editor

Bronx and Other Hard-Hit Communities Cry Out for COVID-19 Resources
As an increasing number of reports reveal COVID-19 is having a disproportionate impact on low-income, majority minority areas of New York City, leaders in the South Bronx and in other communities have been demanding a more targeted response.

Ethnic Skew in COVID-19 Deaths Reflects Gaps in Public Health Systems, Lawmakers Say
State Sen. Jessica Ramos and City Councilmember Carlina Rivera joined the Max & Murphy Show.

City’s Approach to Medical Emergencies is Being Reshaped By COVID-19
Changes big and small are percolating through the EMS system as it grapples with COVID-19.

Early Insights on COVID-19’s Impact an Mental Health and Suicide Risk
President Trump’s comments about the likelihood of suicide during the COVID-19 crisis distressed many mental health professionals.

Mayor Halts Plan to Open Streets to Social-Distancing Pedestrians, Citing Lack of Resources
Mayor Bill de Blasio’s office said the four traffic-closed streets were not utilized by enough residents during the pilot period to justify the resources being used to keep the program going.

Calls for Clemency at Vigil for COVID-19 Death at Sing Sing
Advocates gathered in their cars or stood six feet apart beyond the fence of Sing Sing correctional facility Friday to hold a vigil for Juan Mosquero, 58.

Read our in-depth coverage of the crisis here.

Voices of New York

City’s Small Businesses Need Rent Stabilization to Survive COVID-19, Advocates Say
In 1945, near the end of the WWII, the city instituted commercial rent control as an emergency wartime measure, authorized by the state. Advocates are calling for a similar response to the COVID-19 crisis.

Recovered Queens Nurse Shares Her Coronavirus Story: ‘I Had to Be Strong
'When I was told that they would not test for coronavirus, I felt really helpless," Nima Sherpa said. "But I gathered all my strength and told myself that it's me who has to fight this battle."

Despite Assurances, Undocumented Immigrants With COVID-19 Avoid Hospitals
Some undocumented immigrants are afraid to seek care, either because of fears about their status or medical debt, El Diario reports.

2020: The View from NYC’s Ethnic News Outlets
How would the stories we pursue, and the questions we ask, be different if we reported for one of the many news outlets in the city that serves a particular nationality, language group or ethnic community?

Arts & Culture

With Gigs Cancelled, City’s Musicians Struggle to Wait Out Pandemic
‘New York is such a performance city, it’s the music city in my opinion,’ says Jason Loughlin, a guitarist who lives in Williamsburg. ‘How many musicians are going to be able to stay here when there’s absolutely no work and the rents are high?’

The Isolation Booklist: What Are You Reading? What Should You Read?
How often can you disinfect your house? How many movies can one watch? How many journalists can you see interview their siblings? It might be a good time to crack open a book. Or seven.

From Aid to Z: The Basics on COVID-19 Assistance for Renters, Homeowners & Businesses
Some resources and clarifying information for residential and commercial tenants and homeowners. we are staying committed to our well-being while cooped up.’

• New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene COVID-19 information page

• Latest case count and other information from the New York State Department of Health
 

• the U.S. Centers for Disease Control on Coronavirus
 

• the World Health Organization situation reports on COVID-19
 

Need help or info? Check out our resource library.

Fear Prevailed in the Crusade to Undo New York’s Bail Reforms
‘Under the new amendments to the law, Kalief Browder would have been eligible for bail, the prosecutor would have again asked for bail, and bail would have been set. Under the law that just passed, Kalief’s story ends no differently.’

Opinion: Rent Concerns Provide a Unique Opportunity for Much Needed Assistance
'For the sake of advancing political agendas, 'no rent' sounds much better than rental relief or rental subsidies. However, at some point, simple logic must prevail.'

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