Cuomo directs hospitals to prioritize coronavirus testing in children
New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo instructed hospitals to prioritize testing of COVID-19, or novel coronavirus, in children today at his daily press briefing, as the number of instances of “pediatric multi-system inflammatory syndrome” rises.
The syndrome bears a resemblance to the rare Kawasaki disease and is characterized by a rash, persistent fever and trouble breathing, along with other symptoms. Cases of it are only found in infants, children and young teenagers.
New York State currently has approximately 100 cases of the syndrome, with New York City having over 50 of them. Two children and a teenager have died from it in this state.
“We have been behind this virus every step of the way and even as we are now beginning to see the numbers on the decline, the virus is still surprising us,” Cuomo. “Initially we thought COVID-19 didn’t affect children, and now we’re dealing with a disturbing issue where we have about 100 cases of an inflammatory disease in children that seems to be created by the virus.”
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio also weighed in on the topic today, explaining that there are 10 additional pediatric multi-system inflammatory syndromes pending in the city.
“It’s sobering. It’s bluntly frightening, and I want to say to parents out there: If you’re hearing this information about pediatric multi-system inflammatory syndrome and it sounds scary, it does sound scary. I’m speaking as a parent myself,” he said. “If your child is off, if your child doesn’t have energy, if your child is not themselves and has at least one of these symptoms, call immediately to your doctor, your healthcare provider. If you see multiple symptoms, even more urgent.”
Children over the age of two years old should wear face masks whenever they go outside and should also practice social distancing to protect themselves.
Read more about this in this article: CBS News
De Blasio talks plans for the 2020-2021 school year
Mayor Bill de Blasio discussed reopening ideas for the 2020-2021 school year today at his daily press briefing.
While the mayor and Public Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza were unable to give a timeline for when a decision will be made, they discussed the several options that the city has.
Best case scenario, de Blasio said, is that schools are able to reopen in September and things can go as normal, but other scenarios are staggered school days, staggered school hours, partial distance learning and distance learning.
“We’re looking at any and all options,” he said. “We’re talking about most of four months before school opens, there’s lots of time to see what happens with the disease.”
Carranza supported this sentiment, saying, “We will not reopen a day before public health officials say it’s safe.”
“We know that there will be a new level of work required from us, from making sure our buildings are safe, to rethinking our health protocols, to addressing learning loss, providing heightened social and emotional supports, and trauma-informed supports that are necessary,” he said.
Read more about this in this article: Eyewitness News
Brooklyn man with a double amputation dies of coronavirus-induced kidney failure
A Brooklyn man who was well-known in his neighborhood of Boerum Hill and a double amputee died of coronavirus at the age of 53.
Juan Vazquez, who lost both of his legs to diabetes, had been a courier and dispatcher for a medical lab and an auxiliary police officer.
With a particular interest in ham radio, Vazquez was beloved by his friends, family and neighbors, many of whom have been leaving flowers and candles outside of his apartment window.
“He was just special to all of us. We are devastated beyond words with his loss,” Flor Betancourt, Vazquez’s sister, said.
Vazquez had had the coronavirus for around three weeks by the point that he was rushed to Maimonides Medical Center by ambulance, Betancourt explained that he was trying to ride out his symptoms due to how difficult it was for himt to get places.
Nine days later, he suffered kidney failure and died.
“We did speak to him right before he got on the ambulance and my mother gave him a blessing. I told him I loved him twice, and that was the last that I heard of my brother,” Betancourt said.
His ham radio call signal has since been turned to silent to signify his passing.
“I’m hoping the city can basically focus on those who cannot get out of their houses and just basically focus their attention on what they can do for individuals who are totally disabled and don’t have access to health care. Not because they don’t have the insurance but because they don’t have the means to, you know, get out of their apartments, their homes,” Betancourt said.
Read more about this in this article: New York 1
