The local paper for the Upper pper East Side Sid DELIVERING FOOD, HOPE AND HUMANITY ◄ P.8
FROM DENIAL TO THE ER
PUBLIC HEALTH
After a fainting spell, I was just lucky enough to get treated for COVID-induced pneumonia “under the wire” BY STEPHAN RUSSO
Not this year: the annual Fifth Avenue Easter parade (2019 shown here) doesn’t comply with current social distancing recommendations. Photo: Phil Roeder, via flickr
PREPARING AN AT-HOME EASTER
HOLIDAYS
Livestream church services, deliveries from sweet spots and how to create your own bonnet BY JENNIFER DOHERTY
While COVID-19 remains top of mind for many New Yorkers, Easter is a reminder to look forward to better days ahead. Straus News put together some tips for celebrating while staying in to #stopthespread.
Treat Yourself, or Others Fun fact: The Easter Bunny is immune to coronaviruses. Local retailer Chel-
The numbers keep rising. We are inundated with data about the modeling of cases, when the apex will hit and how to flatten the curve. New York City is the epicenter of the outbreak with 72,000 people testing positive and the death rate climbing to 2,500. We are all at risk.
I guess I can be considered one of the lucky (recovered) statistics, but two weeks out from my traumatic hospitalization, I am still left with the feeling, “this is no joke.” We had returned from a planned family vacation in the Caribbean on Sunday, March 8 when the warning signs were just beginning to be noticed. The airports were still filled with travelers, and we were being admonished to cover our coughs and wash our hands regularly. I began to feel signs of fatigue that week – a slight cough, some nausea and what we now know as the telltale sign of re-
duced appetite and lack of taste. I went about my business and was probably in a state of denial that something could be seriously wrong. Yes, my age (68) put me in a high-risk category but my underlying health was excellent. I continued my regular four-day-a-week exercise routine, alternating between my mile swim one day and the aerobic joy of the elliptical and weight machines. A week later, however, the signs that something was not right began to creep up on me. Walks in Central Park were
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sea Market Baskets (www.chelseamarketbasket.com) offers seasonal chocolate treats starting at $14 and custom baskets starting at $59. All orders ship via UPS. Consider sending one to an essential employee in your life or organizing an indoor Easter egg hunt with your roommates. Other Manhattan sweet spots delivering the goods include Milk Bar (www.milkbarstore.com), Levain Bakery (call 877-4538246) and Dominique Ansel (call 212-219-2773). All three also deliver locally through www.trycaviar.com.
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@OurTownNYC
9-15 2020 INSIDE
COUNTING COVID-19
And learning what counts. p. 13
CAMPAIGNING IN A CRISIS
New York candidates shift focus of campaigns amid coronavirus pandemic to community service. p. 5
OUT OF STOCK
What’s selling out in the pandemic: flour, yeast, thermometers — and puzzles p. 14
Before the fall: The author with his wife, Susan, on vacation in the Caribbean. Photo courtesy of Stephan Russo
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WEEK OF APRIL
Crime Compstat Voices
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City Arts 15 Minutes
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Jewish women and girls light up the world by lighting the Shabbat and Holiday candles. Tuesday. April 14, Shvii Shel Pesach eve, 7:17 pm Wed. April 15 Acharon Shel Pesach eve, 8:18 pm from a preexisting flame Friday, April 17, 7:20 pm For more information visit www.chabbaduppereastside.com